Over the past year, spanning from July 2025 to June 2026, global electricity consumption has been dominated by fossil energy sources, which account for more than half of the total electricity generated worldwide. Specifically, coal and gas make up about a third (33%) and over a fifth (21%) of the global energy mix, respectively. On the brighter side, low-carbon energy sources contribute a significant portion, comprising approximately 43% of the global total. Hydropower leads the low-carbon segment with 14%, followed by solar and wind, each generating around 9% and 9% respectively. Nuclear energy also plays a notable role, contributing almost 9% to the clean energy mix, while biofuels remain a marginal player in the overall scheme. The reliance on fossil fuels remains a major concern due to their contribution to climate change and air pollution, highlighting the urgent need for further investment in clean, sustainable electricity sources to transition towards greener energy utilization globally.

Is Electricity Growing in The World?

Looking at electricity consumption trends, there has been a modest yet encouraging growth in per capita electricity usage worldwide. The recent numbers indicate that electricity consumption has increased to 3,794 kWh per person in 2026, surpassing the previous record set in 2025 by 58 kWh per person. The rise is mirrored within the low-carbon electricity sector, where generation has also hit a new peak of 1,649 kWh per person, growing from the previous record by 44 kWh per person. These increments, though small, suggest a positive trajectory as more nations shift towards low-carbon sources, driven by the critical need to address environmental and sustainability challenges. However, given the pressing demands of electrification trends and the ongoing advancement of AI technologies that necessitate robust electricity supply, the current pace of growth is not sufficient to meet future demands, prompting an urgent call for increased efforts.

Suggestions

To enhance global low-carbon electricity generation, emulating the success stories from regions heavily invested in nuclear and solar energy is imperative. Countries like France and Slovakia lead with nuclear power making up 67% and 66% of their electricity mix, respectively, showcasing the importance and feasibility of nuclear energy as a major backbone of clean electricity. Similarly, U.S. states like Iowa and Denmark have achieved great success with wind energy, accounting for more than half of their electricity consumption. Regions like Nevada and California have also demonstrated the potential of solar power, where it makes up over 30% of their electricity mix. Expanding nuclear and solar energy's footprint worldwide can significantly accelerate the transition towards low-carbon electricity generation, assisting in reducing the reliance on fossil fuels while simultaneously addressing global energy needs sustainably.

History

Historically, the advancement of low-carbon electricity, particularly nuclear and solar, highlights remarkable growth patterns. In the mid-1980s, nuclear energy saw substantial growth, with notable increases in electricity production during 1984 and 1985. The 1990s heralded strong growth in both hydro and nuclear energy, solidifying their roles in the global energy mix. Entering the 21st century, the solar and wind sectors witnessed extraordinary expansion. A particularly notable surge occurred in the 2020s, with both solar and wind achieving unprecedented growth, especially during 2023 to 2025, demonstrating their mounting contributions to green energy worldwide. While some years experienced declines in nuclear output, particularly 2011 and 2022, the overarching narrative is one of sustainable growth, advocating the continued integration and expansion of nuclear and solar energies worldwide, ensuring a cleaner and ecologically favorable future.