Mmastodon EnvironmentClimate first seen 9 h ago, last 5 h ago, peak #8
Clean energy now displaces fossil power, not just adds to it
Original: Clean energy does not simply “add to” global energy use; it displaces fossil sources that would otherwise get built. Twe
New figures show wind, solar and other non-hydro renewables have grown from about 2 percent of global electricity in 2005 to levels where they displace fossil generation rather than simply adding to total supply. Commenters argue each unit of clean power replaces coal, gas or oil capacity that would otherwise be built, pushing back on claims that renewables only increase energy use.
Why now: Debate over whether renewables genuinely substitute for fossil fuels remains a recurring climate talking point as renewable capacity keeps growing.
wind powersolar powerfossil fuels
Evidence
- Clean energy does not simply “add to” global energy use; it displaces fossil sources that would otherwise get built. Twenty years ago, wind, solar and other non-hydro renewables were close to a rounding error. In 2005 they supplied a mere 2.0 percent of the world’s electricity… · SkepticalScience@scicomm.xyz · 5
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