The year in clean energy: Wind, solar and batteries grow despite economic challenges

By ISABELLA O’MALLEY, JENNIFER McDERMOTT and ALEXA ST. JOHN
Associated Press

Led by new solar power, the world added renewable energy at breakneck speed in 2023, a trend that if amplified will help Earth turn away from fossil fuels and prevent severe warming and its effects. China, Europe, and the U.S. each set records for a single year, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency. China’s additions dwarfed those of all other countries. By the end of 2023, the world will also have added enough wind energy to power nearly 80 million homes, making it a record year. And one in five cars sold across the globe this year is expected to be electric. That meant it also turned out to be another banner year for batteries.