Global Energy Consumption Trends: Fossil Fuels Still Dominate, Renewables on the Rise

A new industry report reveals that while renewable energy sources continue to gain ground globally, fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions hit record highs in 2023, Al Jazeera reported today.

The Statistical Review of World Energy report shows fossil fuel use rose 1.5% compared to 2022, with emissions increasing 2.1%. However, renewables’ share of global energy consumption reached an all-time high of 14.6%, up 0.4% from the previous year.

The report notes that economic development in emerging economies is driving continued fossil fuel growth, even as advanced economies see demand peaking.

China remained the world’s largest consumer of coal, accounting for 56% of global usage. Renewable capacity additions were also led by China, making up 63% of new global wind and solar capacity.

Despite the rising renewables share, the data underscores the challenge of transitioning away from fossil fuels to mitigate climate change.