Central European Morning Report: "Global Energy Transformation and Regional Challenges: Rise of Renewables and Conflict Impact on Infrastructure"

Renewable energy sources now contribute more than 30% of global electricity production, according to a recent report by the Ember energy research center. This marks a significant increase from 19% in 2020 and is largely due to the rapid expansion of solar and wind energy installations. However, hydroelectric production declined due to droughts, particularly in China, impacting the overall share of clean energy.

Solar and wind installations account for 13.4% of global electricity production, while other renewable sources such as hydroelectric plants contribute the remaining percentage. In 2010, clean energy made up only 2% of the global energy mix. Ember notes that this shift may enable a considerable reduction in fossil fuel-based energy production.

Dave Jones, an expert from Ember, stated that "the reduction of emissions in the energy sector is now inevitable." He added that the pace of emissions reduction will depend on the continued growth of renewable energy. Countries committed at COP28 to tripling global renewable energy production capacity by 2030, which could lead to renewables providing 60% of the global energy mix.

Ukrainian Energy Infrastructure Hit by Russian Attacks:

Ukrainian energy infrastructure faced a significant attack as Russian forces targeted production and distribution facilities in multiple regions, including Poltava, Kirovohrad, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Vinnytsia. Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko reported the assault, emphasizing the ongoing threat to the nation's energy sector.

At least six people were injured during the attacks: one in Dnipropetrovsk, one in Kirovohrad, two in Brovary near Kyiv, and at least two in Kyiv. Three thermal power plants were "severely damaged," according to DTEK, the largest private investor in Ukraine's energy sector. Since the start of the war in February 2022, DTEK's facilities have faced approximately 180 bombings, including five attacks in the past six weeks.

Russian strategic bombers Tu-95MS launched multiple cruise missiles at Kyiv, keeping the city on high alert for three hours. The Kyiv military administration confirmed that all missiles were intercepted and shot down.