From May 2025 to April 2026, the world saw more than half of its electricity consumption being met by fossil fuels, with coal and gas being the primary contributors at nearly a third and a fifth respectively. Meanwhile, low-carbon energy sources accounted for a little over 43% of the total electricity generation, underscoring a vital role in reducing the carbon footprint. Within this cleaner energy spectrum, hydropower was the most significant, generating slightly over 14%. Solar and wind energy followed, each contributing nearly 9% to the global electricity mix. Nuclear power stood firm at close to 9%, providing a significant portion of stable, low-carbon electricity. While biofuels also played a role in clean energy generation, their impact was limited to just under 2%.

Is Electricity Growing in The World?

The global electricity consumption per person has been on the rise, indicating a positive growth trend in the sector. The numbers saw a moderate increase from 3736 kWh per person in 2025 to 3771 kWh in 2026, boosting the global electricity landscape. Significantly, the growth of clean electricity sources has kept pace, with low-carbon electricity generation reaching a notable 1632 kWh per person. This increase of 27 kWh per person over the previous record year of 2025 showcases the world’s gradual transition toward sustainable and environmentally friendly energy solutions. These figures highlight the increasing role of low-carbon energy in fulfilling an ever-growing electricity demand while also positioning the world to combat the adverse effects of climate change.

Suggestions

To further enhance low-carbon electricity generation, the world must learn from regions where certain low-carbon energy types have made remarkable strides. France, Slovakia, and Ukraine significantly utilize nuclear energy, powering over half of their electricity with this stable and dependable source. Meanwhile, countries like Denmark and US states such as Iowa and South Dakota harness substantial amounts of their electricity from wind power, illustrating the potential for wind energy. Additionally, the growing solar sectors in places like Nevada and California underscore how strategic investments in solar power can effectively contribute to a cleaner energy mix. By expanding nuclear and solar installations and embracing lessons from these pioneering regions, the world can significantly reduce its reliance on fossil fuels while satisfying its escalating electricity demands.

History

The historical development of low-carbon electricity over past decades paints an optimistic picture of the world’s transition toward sustainable energy. In the early 1980s and especially the 1990s, nuclear power saw an encouraging increase with notable growth spikes, cementing its role in providing clean electricity. The following decades have been marked by a steady rise in wind energy, especially in the 2010s and early 2020s, as seen in substantial annual generation increases. Similarly, the advancement of solar energy has been particularly significant in recent years, with solar generation reaching unprecedented growth heights in 2022, 2023, and 2024. It is crucial for this positive trend to continue as the world further transitions away from fossil fuels, thereby safeguarding the environment and ensuring a sustainable electricity supply for the future.