Leaders.com
  • Business
  • Leadership
  • Wealth
  • Master Classes
  • Business
    • Entrepreneurs
    • Executives
    • Marketing and Sales
    • Social Media
    • Innovation
    • Women in Business
  • Leadership
    • Personal Growth
    • Company Culture
    • Public Speaking
    • Productivity
    • Hiring
    • Social Issues
    • Leaders
  • Wealth
    • Investing
    • Cryptocurrency
    • Retirement
    • Venture Capital
    • Loans and Borrowing
    • Taxes
    • Markets
    • Real Estate
  • Master Classes
Environment mixed energy results

Wind and solar are producing more energy than ever before, but increased energy demands mean that coal is producing more energy than before as well. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

By Hannah Bryan Leaders Staff

Hannah Bryan

News Writer

Hannah Bryan is a news writer for Leaders Media. Most recently she was a reporter for the Sanilac County News...

Full bio


Learn about our editorial policy

Oct 6, 2022

Mixed Results On Energy Production

Wind and solar are in the top 10% of global power generation for the first time, but increased energy needs have also increased coal production. 

Key Details

  • Wind and solar contributed record-breaking numbers to the global energy supply, but at the same time coal consumption rose. 
  • In 2021, wind and solar projects contributed 10% of the global demands for electricity.
  • Despite renewable’s improved numbers, demand for energy also grew during 2021, resulting in increased use of coal and gas. 

Why it’s news

An increase in wind and solar contribution to the energy supply seems like a big win for advocates of renewable energy. However, those numbers are somewhat deceptive as the demand for energy rose across the board and all energy production increased during 2021.

A report from BloombergNEF found that wind and solar contributed nearly 3,000 terawatt-hours of electricity. Energy from wind rose 6.8% and solar energy increased 3.7%. Just a decade ago, these two forces combined contributed less than 1% of electricity production.

Of all energy production, 39% was carbon free. Hydroelectric and nuclear power projects were able to contribute more than a quarter of global electricity demand. 

Since 2017, wind and solar have contributed more and more energy to power grids.

Backing Up a Bit

As countries look to expand power grids and produce more energy, solar appears to be the top choice. Half of all global capacity added is attributed to solar power. More than 100 countries have installed at least one megawatt of solar capacity. 

Energy needs are increasing, however. Following the pandemic energy demands rose 5.6%.

As supply chain disruptions coupled with high energy prices put pressure on countries to produce energy, coal has had a resurgence as an energy source. Coal plan production rose 8.5%. Coal accounts for around 36% of global energy production. 

Despite currently being a popular energy source, coal production is not increasing at the same rates it once was. In 2012, 83 gigawatts of coal-fired capacity were added. By 2020, that number had dropped to 31 gigawatts. Just last year in 2021, only 13 gigawatts were completed. 
Though the world saw an increase in carbon neutral energy, there was a 7% spike in global CO2 emissions in 2021.

Home / News / Mixed Results On Energy Production
Share
FacebookTweetEmailLinkedIn

Related Stories

Seattle Takes The Crown For Advanced Tech Talent

by PJ Howland Leaders Staff
Tech

Oct 24, 2023

Seattle tech talent

Seattle has emerged as the metro area with the most advanced tech talent, beating out tech hubs like San Francisco and Silicon Valley.

Key Details

  • According to a new ranking by the Burning Glass Institute, Seattle has the highest proportion of advanced tech workers compared to other cities with similarly sized tech workforces.
  • The ranking evaluated 60 million high-paying, in-demand tech job postings and histories to identify cities with cutting-edge roles like AI and cybersecurity rather than legacy tech positions.
  • With tech giants Amazon and Microsoft headquartered in Seattle, the city edged out the San Francisco Bay Area, Boston, Austin, and Raleigh on the list.
  • The report found that demand for software developers and IT support specialists has declined over the past five years as companies seek more specialized tech talent.

Go deeper

FacebookTweetEmailLinkedIn

More Americans Can’t Keep Up With Car Payments

by Colin Baker Leaders Staff
Loans and Borrowing

Oct 23, 2023

car loans, used cars

A record number of Americans are behind on their car loan payments as higher interest rates and prices weigh on consumers.

Key Details

  • According to data from Fitch Ratings, 6.11% of car loans were at least 60 days delinquent in September, the highest since tracking began in the early 2000s.
  • Some interest rates on used cars can rise to as much as 21%, according to Bankrate.
  • Soaring prices and rising interest rates are squeezing consumers, making it difficult for some to keep up with their auto loans.

Go deeper

FacebookTweetEmailLinkedIn

Chevron Makes $53 Billion Deal Amid Surging Gas Prices

by PJ Howland Leaders Staff
Markets

Oct 23, 2023

Chevron Gas Deal

Chevron is acquiring Hess Corp. for $53 billion, the second significant oil producer acquisition this month as crude prices climb.

Key Details

  • Chevron is purchasing Hess in an all-cash deal worth $53 billion, including debt and preferred stock redemption.
  • This comes just weeks after ExxonMobil announced its $59.5 billion purchase of Pioneer Natural Resources.
  • With oil over $80 per barrel, major producers are using their windfall profits to acquire smaller players and boost payouts to shareholders.
  • Chevron expects the deal to close in H1 2023 pending regulatory approvals and Hess shareholder vote.
  • Hess CEO John Hess will join Chevron's board once the acquisition is complete.

Go deeper

FacebookTweetEmailLinkedIn
nike logo
Company Culture

Oct 20, 2023

Nike to Require More In-Office Days From Employees

by Colin Baker Leaders Staff
blue collar workers
Retirement

Oct 20, 2023

Explaining The ‘C+ Grade’ Retirement Ecosystem in The United States

by PJ Howland Leaders Staff
netflix building
Entertainment

Oct 19, 2023

Netflix Hiking Prices While Adding Millions of Subscribers

by Colin Baker Leaders Staff

Recent Articles

Hiring

Nov 1, 2023

Learn the Winning Answers to the Most Common Phone Interview Questions

Come to your next phone interview fully prepared

Personal Growth

Oct 30, 2023

85 Quotes on Self-Love to Boost Your Self-Esteem

Don’t fall into the trap of harsh self-criticism

Company Culture

Oct 27, 2023

What is a Sabbatical? Your Ticket to Restful Growth and Meaning

Sabbaticals can benefits both employees and businesses

  • Business
  • Leadership
  • Wealth
Join the Leaders Community

Get exclusive tools and resources you need to grow as a leader and scale a purpose-driven business.

Subscribing indicates your consent to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Leaders.com
  • Privacy Policy
  • About
  • Careers
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms
  • Disclosures
  • Editorial Policy
  • Member Login

© 2025 Leaders.com - All rights reserved.

Search Leaders.com