Ember’s Post

The EU generated a RECORD 30% of #electricity from #wind and #solar in the first half of 2024, for the first time surpassing fossil fuels’ share of 27%.

Keep up the momentum and accelerate! ☀ 🌬 Since the current European Commission took office in 2019, the EU has made substantial strides in #renewableenergy, with #wind and #solar power surging by 46%. We should go faster and with quality- placing people and nature at the core- towards a fully renewable Europe. Check the new analysis by Ember https://lnkd.in/eQSHH9Vm

Spain hit a milestone in 2023, as wind and solar overtook fossil power. 🌪️and ☀️ made up 40% of the country’s electricity mix last year, while fossil fuels only accounted for 29%. Read more global electricity insights in #GER24: https://lnkd.in/eSKgREee

Thank you Madeleine King. The Labour Party Federal Minister for Resources makes the case for the role of natural gas in Australia’s journey to its low emissions economy. These quotes taken directly from the article below, are in stark contrast to the views of the New Zealand opposition parties, the union movement, and (up until recently), the Chair of the Climate Change Commission, and are worthwhile repeating: “Australia and the world needs gas not only to heat homes and businesses, but increasingly we will need gas to back up our renewable energy networks as we phase out of coal.” “Under all credible net zero scenarios, natural gas in needed through to 2025 and beyond.” “Where we continue to need gas we must also ensure the emissions associated with that gas are reduced and abated. One way to do this – but not the only way – is to scale up carbon capture and storage as a means to decarbonise gas at the point of production.” ‘This may not be a popular opinion in some parts. There are those who call for shutting off all fossil fuel use tomorrow. The Albanese government knows that entertaining such ideas would do untold damage to our economy.” “Everyone wants to make sure we address damaging climate change, and gas has a role to play in the energy transition.” These views can only be described as orthodox and would sit with ease into our advocacy. Instead of a Future Gas Strategy as in Australia, in New Zealand, the Labour Party and others want to actively manage natural gas out of the economy. The positioning around the role of carbon capture and storage is equally stark. The industry participants from across the energy system who we represent are equally realistic and pragmatic. Willingness to collaborate is high. But we need to work from where we are to get to get to where we want to go - secure and affordable energy, while also achieving our climate goals. #energysecurity #collaboration #learningtogether #prosperity

Ms Madeleine King, MP, in your opinion piece, you outlined: - That the global transition to clean energy represents Australia's largest opportunity for growth and prosperity in decades. - To seize this economic potential from net zero, you advocate for decarbonizing our economy by transitioning to renewable energy, with gas playing a stabilizing role. You briefly touched on Australia's abundance of "critical minerals and rare earth elements" for batteries and solar panels, and our resources like iron ore for wind turbine steel and copper for EV wiring. However, the focus of your piece was overwhelmingly on promoting gas: - Burning gas does not equate to decarbonization; it directly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. - Gas is not renewable; it's a fossil fuel, finite and environmentally costly. - Framing “gas as an "economic opportunity" is misleading when the industry profits handsomely while contributing little to Australia's economy compared to the environmental and climate-related costs borne by the public. - As Resources Minister, why not emphasize the potential of critical and rare materials for batteries and other green technologies? Your statement that "gas has a pivotal role" in the renewables revolution is outdated as that “pivot to sustainable energy solutions” has already occurred, and gas does not align with genuine decarbonization efforts. https://lnkd.in/gVitFTTQ Climate Council Climate Action Burwood-Canada Bay Asian Australians for Climate Solutions Smart Energy Council Prof Ray Wills Chris Bowen MP Australian Conservation Foundation

New analysis by EER on renewable and transmission siting. Wind and solar have become cornerstones in the most common low carbon pathways for the U.S. Both resources are low cost, simple to build, and have high resource potential. However, their diffuse nature presents a unique challenge as large land areas are required to replace the energy we currently derive from fossil fuels. This diffuseness also makes new transmission to access these resources critical. https://wix.to/sjpw2fb

We agree, Madeleine King. Natural gas has a critical role to play in ensuring energy security, supporting the accelerated development of renewables and powering essential Australian industries. The Federal Government’s Future Gas Strategy is clear that Australia needs gas for decades to come. The ACCC and Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) have sounded the alarm on the risk of gas shortfalls. So as a nation, we need to get on with unlocking domestic gas.

Great Britain's electricity generation from fossil fuels dropped to a historic low of 2.4% for one hour on 15 April, driven by a significant shift towards renewable energy sources. The achievement is part of a broader trend observed in 2024, with 75 half-hour periods where fossil fuels accounted for less than 5% of electricity demand. The developments are in line with the National Grid Electricity System Operator's goal of operating without fossil fuels for short periods by 2025 and achieving a fully decarbonised grid by 2035. However, challenges remain in maintaining grid stability and developing sufficient low-carbon electricity supplies to meet this target. (Carbon Brief: https://hubs.ly/Q02vG2Bf0) Read our analysis on global renewable trends here: https://hubs.ly/Q02vG0Sf0

Loving this video about the importance of a strong electricity grid!! Please reshare!!

The UK's journey towards net zero emissions by 2050 shows promising progress, particularly in the renewable energy field, with a significant increase in electricity generated by renewables like wind and solar. Key initiatives include a commitment to installing electric heat pumps and a surge in grant applications to help homeowners transition away from fossil fuel boilers. These actions demonstrate tangible steps towards decarbonising heating in buildings. Although challenges remain, the government's investments and strategy signal a concerted effort to steer the country towards a more sustainable and low-carbon future. Learn more here: https://bbc.in/3V1wMU9 #BBC #NetZero #RenewableEnergy #HeatPumps