As the world races toward a low-carbon future, the spotlight is increasingly falling on emerging economies. These nations are not only among the most vulnerable to climate change—they also hold the power to shape the trajectory of the global energy transition. Nowhere is this tension more visible than within the BRICS alliance and its newly expanded membership.
A Milestone for BRICS
For the first time in history, fossil fuels make up less than 50% of the total installed power capacity across BRICS countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This shift marks a significant milestone for global climate progress, demonstrating that large, developing nations can transition away from carbon-heavy infrastructure at scale.
The numbers are impressive:
- China has added over 300 GW of renewable energy capacity since 2020.
- India has installed 73 GW, surpassing its commitments under the Paris Agreement ahead of schedule.
- Brazil generates 87% of its electricity from renewable sources, primarily hydro, wind, and solar.
- South Africa, long reliant on coal, has attracted $14 billion in private investment through its Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP).
These developments offer a glimpse into a future where economic growth and clean energy go hand in hand.
The New Challenge: BRICS Expansion
In 2024, BRICS expanded its membership to include five more countries: Indonesia, Nigeria, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, and Uzbekistan. While this move aims to strengthen political and economic cooperation among the Global South, it introduces a significant climate dilemma.
The new members have energy systems that are heavily dependent on fossil fuels:
- 78% of their total installed capacity still comes from coal, oil, and gas.
- They are planning to build 25 GW of new fossil fuel power plants.
- In contrast, only 2.3 GW of new wind and utility-scale solar projects are currently in development.
This imbalance could jeopardize the progress made by the original BRICS countries and shift the bloc’s overall trajectory back toward high-emission energy development.
What’s at Stake?
The path that emerging economies take will be pivotal. On one side lies the opportunity to leapfrog to clean, decentralized, and resilient energy systems that align with climate goals. On the other lies the risk of doubling down on fossil fuel infrastructure that could lock in emissions for decades to come.
The implications go beyond BRICS. These countries are home to billions of people and fast-growing economies. Their choices will influence:
- Global carbon emissions
- Energy access and equity
- Investment flows
- Technological innovation
Financing the Transition
One of the biggest hurdles facing emerging economies is access to affordable financing for renewable energy. While nations like South Africa have shown that private capital can be mobilized with the right policy framework, many countries still lack the institutional capacity and financial incentives needed to drive change at scale.
International cooperation will be essential. That means:
- Targeted climate finance
- Knowledge transfer
- Scalable partnerships
- Support for local manufacturing and grid modernization
A Call to Action
The BRICS coalition is now at a fork in the road. Will it continue advancing toward a green future—or become split between leaders in renewables and laggards locked into fossil fuels?
The stakes are high, but the opportunity is greater. With the right policies, investments, and political will, BRICS and its new members can redefine what climate leadership looks like in the 21st century—proving that emerging economies are not climate followers, but climate forerunners.
Read the full article here: https://sun-connect.org/clean-energy-vs-fossil-fuels-emerging-economies-at-a-climate-crossroads/