Africa's off-grid solar boom, in numbers ⚡

Hi,

Here’s some good news to start the day:

• Coal’s share of South Africa’s power mix fell to a record low of 74% in January as solar advanced and nuclear output recovered, according to Ember data.

• Great Britain's greenhouse gas emissions fell 4% in 2024 as the country’s last coal power plant closed and industrial emissions fell, Reuters reported.

• Oil demand for shipping will peak in 2027, according to BloombergNEF.

• Portugal has become the first country to ban deep-sea mining (for at least the next 25 years).

• California now has 179,000 operational EV chargers — nearly 50% more than gas nozzles.

• The new German government says it’ll stick to the country’s 2038 coal phase-out timeline.

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Thanks for reading.

Nick Hedley

Editor, The Progress Playbook

In numbers: Africa’s off-grid solar revolution is boosting electricity access

Mini-grids and household solar solutions now account for more than half of all new electricity connections in sub-Saharan Africa.

- Read the full story here.

Europe’s emissions from generating electricity slide (again) in 2024

Europe’s electricity sector emissions fell sharply again in 2024 thanks to the ongoing surge in renewable energy installations and a recovery in hydro and nuclear output.

- Read the full story here.

A message from O₂Africa:

With its expertise in pressure swing adsorption, O₂Africa enables hospitals and industries across sub-Saharan Africa to produce their own oxygen and nitrogen on-site. This ensures a reliable supply, reduces transport emissions and logistics challenges, enables self-sufficiency, and enhances competitiveness. Find out more here.

How human behaviour shapes effective climate policies

One study found that informational approaches, such as labelling or in-home displays, were on average only 3% effective at encouraging consumers to make more sustainable choices. In contrast, “nudges” that adjust choice environments to make sustainable choices easier, but without coercion, were, on average, 25% effective.

- Read the full story here.

In numbers: Cars give way to cyclists and pedestrians in German cities

In mid-2023 to mid-2024, close to a third (31%) of journeys were completed by foot in major cities, compared to 27% in 2017.

- Read the full story here.

Other articles you might find interesting:

• Renewables accounted for 93% of global power capacity growth in 2024

• In numbers: China hits fresh milestones in its energy transition

• China’s EV boom set to push gasoline demand off a cliff

• These countries are leading the way to 100% renewable electricity

• Residents of Paris vote in favour of pedestrianising and greening 500 more streets

• New Zealand inches closer to 100% renewable electricity

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