The article discusses the progress of various countries in transitioning to cleaner energy sources, with a focus on Asia and the United States. According to data from the energy think tank Ember, large Asian nations such as China, India, South Korea, and Japan have made significant strides in reducing fossil fuel use and increasing clean power output in the first quarter of 2025.
In contrast, the US and Europe have seen a reversal in their energy transition momentum, with an increase in fossil fuel-fired generation in January 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. This is attributed to a combination of weak wind power output across Europe and strong electricity demand growth in North America, leading to a rise in utility use of fossil fuels.
The article highlights the notable achievements of individual countries in the region. South Korea, for instance, recorded a 15% reduction in fossil fuel electricity generation in January 2025, attributed to record nuclear power output, while India saw a 26% rise in clean electricity production in the same period. China, South Korea, Japan, and Asia as a whole also reported year-on-year increases in clean electricity output, ranging from 16% to 26%.
In contrast, the US and Europe have seen a slowdown in their energy transition efforts. US utilities have increased their output from fossil fuels, with coal-fired electricity production up by 20% in the first two months of 2025. Similarly, European utilities have also boosted their output from natural gas and coal, reversing their previous progress towards a cleaner energy mix.
The article concludes that the continued strength in US gas prices is likely to sustain the elevated use of coal for power, despite the negative environmental impact. Overall, the data suggests that Asia is leading the way in terms of energy transition, while the US and Europe are facing challenges in reducing their reliance on fossil fuels.