In 2024, the global state of electricity consumption reveals that fossil fuels still account for a significant portion, with almost 60% of electricity being derived from these sources. Coal alone makes up about a third of the world's electricity generation, followed by gas at about 22%. However, on a brighter note, more than 40% of the global electricity consumption now comes from low-carbon or clean sources. Among these, hydropower leads the way at over 14%, followed by nuclear energy, which provides nearly 9%. Both wind and solar are major contributors, each accounting for approximately 8% and 7%, respectively, while biofuels make up a smaller slice at around 2%.

Is Electricity Growing in The World?

Electricity consumption is on the rise, with the world witnessing an increase from the previous record in 2023. The latest figures show a consumption of 3813 kWh per person, up from 3698 kWh per person in 2023, marking an increase of 115 kWh per person. This growth is complemented by a rise in low-carbon electricity generation, which has reached 1559 kWh per person compared to 1449 kWh per person in 2023—a gain of 110 kWh per person. This trend is encouraging as it reflects progress towards cleaner, sustainable energy solutions, essential for mitigating climate change and reducing air pollution caused by fossil fuels.

Suggestions

To further enhance low-carbon electricity generation, the world can look towards leading examples, particularly in the areas of nuclear and wind power. France, Slovakia, and Ukraine significantly rely on nuclear energy, with shares of 68%, 62%, and 55% respectively. These countries demonstrate the potential for nuclear energy to provide substantial portions of national electricity requirements. Meanwhile, Denmark and Ireland excel in harnessing wind power, with Denmark generating over half of its electricity from wind, showcasing the viability and efficiency of this green energy. Increasing investments in nuclear and solar power, as seen in countries like Lebanon and Chile with burgeoning solar sectors, could further support the shift towards low-carbon energy.

History

Reflecting on the history of low-carbon electricity, remarkable growth has been observed, particularly in nuclear energy in the 1980s, with notable increases in 1984 and 1985. Despite challenges like the setback experienced in 2011, low-carbon energy has made a comeback, with recent years seeing significant growth in wind and solar power. From 2017 onwards, the expansion of wind and solar has been impressive, with 2021 and 2022 showing leaps in generation, and 2024 marking another milestone with substantial growth in solar power. These trends highlight the steadfast march towards sustainable electricity generation, emphasizing that investment in new technologies is both prudent and urgent for a sustainable energy future.

Electrification

We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.

Data Sources