Solar and wind power can grow enough to limit global warming to 1.5C if its growth rate can be maintained to 2030, a report by an independent climate think tank said.

Ember said solar and wind power can grow enough to reach the climate target, if the 10-year average compound growth rate of 20% can be maintained for the next eight years.

However, it warned that despite gains, coal-fired power generation saw its fastest growth last year since at least 1985, up 9% at 10,042 terawatt hours (TWh).

Rising use of solar and wind

In 2021, solar generation rose 23% globally, while wind supply gained 14% over the same period, data from the think tank showed.

Together both renewable sources accounted for 10.3% of total global electricity generation, according to the report.

“We’re getting closer to that break-even where wind and solar can cover new electricity demand, but we are still not quite there,” Ember’s global lead Dave Jones said.

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“If we maintain those growth rates we see, we will be there shortly.”

China’s demand for renewables rises

The report noted that the biggest rise in demand was from China – up 13% in 2021 compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

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While the country largely relies on coal for power production, in 2021 data from the report shows it passed the one-tenth landmark of power generation from wind and solar for the first time, along with six other countries.

However, Mr Jones added that it is “not clear” how quickly China’s reliance on coal will fall, as it plans to continue to use it as a key part of its energy strategy.

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