Investment in clean energy to overtake fossil fuel spending in 2024

The International Energy Agency reports that global investment in clean energy will hit $2 trillion in 2024, with solar power receiving the most funding.

Nina Chestney reports for Reuters.


In short:

  • The IEA projects $2 trillion in clean energy investments for 2024, outpacing fossil fuels two-to-one.
  • Solar power investment is expected to reach $500 billion, largely driven by reduced costs.
  • Despite strong investments, regions outside China, like emerging markets, face significant energy funding gaps.

Key quote:

“For every dollar going to fossil fuels today, almost two dollars are invested in clean energy.”

— Fatih Birol, Executive Director of IEA

Why this matters:

This financial commitment is part of a broader strategy to meet international climate targets and foster economic growth through the creation of green jobs and new technologies. The massive influx of capital into clean energy sectors, such as wind, geothermal, and hydropower, alongside solar, underscores the growing recognition of the economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy.

Coal fired power plant with two red/white smokestacks rising above a huge pile of coal, awaiting burning

Trump announces $700 million in funds meant to boost coal industry

The president announced a total of $700 million in federal money to reinvigorate the domestic coal industry, which has been in decline for decades.
Solar panels in foreground with wind turbines and a setting (or rising) sun in background

California and New York weaken climate rules as red states ramp up green energy

Republican-led states growing renewable capabilities at faster rate as Texas emerges as clean-energy leader.

illustration of large rechargeable lithium-ion battery energy storage stationary for renewable electric power station generation.
Credit: petovarga/BigStock Photo ID: 357758258

Why North Carolina’s electric co-ops are turning to grid batteries

From the suburbs to the barrier islands, the state’s local cooperatives are using aggregated battery systems to weather outages and protect consumers’ wallets.

Workers installing solar panels on a roof with palm trees in the background

Stuck on oil: Can Hawaii power itself?

Hawaii imports much of its fuel — and pays the price. From solar to geothermal, the state is searching for a way out of fossil fuel dependence.

An SUV parked in front of a restaurant on a sunny day

California’s Lithium Valley dreams meet reality at the only restaurant in town

How Vicky Hernandez and her customers at the Buckshot Deli & Diner in Niland view plans to turn Imperial Valley into a green energy hub.
Oil tankers at a terminal full of storage tanks

Oil industry warns Trump administration of price spikes within weeks

Industry executives said the loss of oil through the Strait of Hormuz is draining petroleum inventories to dangerously low levels.
A podcast microphone against a pink background
Credit: A. C./Unsplash+

NYT, WSJ podcasts promote pro-drilling ads by top US oil lobby

The New York Times has included dozens of ads pushing looser permitting rules on America’s third-most popular podcast since September, analysis finds.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.