BRICS energy divide widens as renewable shift outpaces new members’ fossil reliance. (Photo: iStock)
A new report released on April 29 by U.S.-based think tank Global Energy Monitor (GEM) highlights a notable shift in the BRICS nations’ energy mix, driven by rapid growth in renewable energy in Brazil, India, and China. For the first time, fossil fuels now account for less than half of the bloc’s total electricity generation.
However, the report also notes that China is contradicting its earlier commitments by continuing to finance and build coal-fired power plants abroad—primarily in Indonesia.
Energy development varies across BRICS
The BRICS alliance has grown significantly, from its original members (Brazil, Russia, India, China) to now include Indonesia as its 10th full member, alongside nine additional partner countries. Together, these countries account for more than half of global carbon emissions and roughly a quarter of the global economy.
