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AfrElec COMMENTARY AfrElec
tonnes. EU emissions fell by 5% to 2.9bn tonnes, as output from coal-fired power plants dropped by more than 25% in 2019, while gas-fired gener- ation increased by close to 15% to overtake coal for the first time.
Germany posted the biggest decline at 8%, while both the UK and Germany saw renewables accounting for 40% of total power generation.
Japan saw energy-related CO2 emissions fall 4.3% to 1 030 Mt in 2019, the fastest pace of decline since 2009.
In developing economies, Asia accounted for 80% of the 400mn tonnes of new emissions. Coal demand continued to expand, accounting for over 50% of energy use, and is responsible for around 10bn tonnes of emissions.
Outlook
Whiletheresultsarewelcome,thereisstilldoubt over whether the drivers of the data are perma- nent, such as the rise of renewables, or cycli- cal, such as this year’s nuclear boost or slowing power demand in china and India.
Other variables include falling prices of both LNG and renewables, meaning that coal is now uncompetitive in more and more Asian mar- kets. With a global LNG supply glut, coal is to is being beaten on price in its traditional markets in Southeast Asia.
The IEA highlighted that the solar, wind and nuclear generation has contributed to falling emissions.
This suggests that lower-carbon generation, supported by innovation and technology along the power sector value chain, can drive forward the fight against climate change. If investment in innovation and technology continues, then emissions can be expected to fall.
Birol was bullish that the results showed that the world is moving in the right direction, stressing that energy and power were the key to cutting emissions and combating climate change.
“It is evidence that clean energy transitions are underway – and it’s also a signal that we have the opportunity to meaningfully move the nee- dle on emissions through more ambitious poli- ciesandinvestments,”hesaid.
“Without solving the challenge of the energy sector, we have no chance of solving our climate challenge,” said Birol.
Nevertheless, given the urgency of meeting Paris Agreement on targets, there is no room for complacency, and emissions are still at their highest ever annual level of 33bn tonnes.
Much more needs to be done by govern- ments, investors and utilities to promote green energy and to continue reducing emissions.
Week 06 13•February•2020 w w w. N E W S B A S E . c o m P5
