Solar still generates less electricity than nuclear but it is growing rapidly
Solar panel capacity is set to overtake nuclear worldwide for the first time within the next few months, according to expert predictions.
The total capacity of nuclear power is currently about 391.5 gigawatts but the total capacity of photovoltaic cells is expected to hit 390 gigawatts by the end of this year with demand growing at up to eight per cent per year, according to GTM Research.
While this would be a landmark moment for renewable energy, nuclear still generates much more electricity than solar – nearly 2.5 million gigawatt-hours a year compared to the latter’s 375,000 gigawatt-hours.
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“One of the most telling statistics: By 2022, global capacity will likely reach 871 gigawatts. That’s about 43 gigawatts more than expected cumulative wind installs by that date. And it’s more than double today’s nuclear capacity.”
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While solar accounts for about 1.8 per cent of global electricity generation today, the International Energy Agency has predicted this could rise to 16 per cent by 2050 under a “high-growth scenario”, which would make it the largest source of energy in the world.
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The Sun delivers enough energy to the Earth in an hour to provide humans with everything they need for an entire year.
Read more at Solar panel capacity to overtake nuclear energy next year in historic landmark
