Low-Carbon Power: Monitor the Growth of Low Carbon Energy
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In 2024, global electricity consumption is still largely dependent on fossil fuels, with these sources making up more than half, around 59%. Specifically, coal is responsible for about a third of electricity generation, with gas contributing approximately 22%. Conversely, low-carbon energy sources, which include hydropower, nuclear, wind, solar, and biofuels, account for a little over 41% of the global electricity supply. Among these clean sources, hydropower leads the way, contributing almost 15% of the total electricity generated. Nuclear energy comes next with close to 9%, followed by wind at 8%, and solar just above 7%. Biofuels make up a small portion of this mix, contributing nearly 2%. Despite the promising growth in low-carbon sources, the world still relies heavily on fossil fuels, posing significant challenges to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, IEA, VisualizingEnergy and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in The World?
The data indicates a modest increase in global electricity consumption, exemplifying a growth trend that underscores the world’s increasing reliance on electricity. In 2024, the average electricity consumption reached 3658 kWh per person, surpassing the previous record of 3554 kWh per person in 2021. This represents an increase of 103 kWh per person, highlighting a positive shift towards greater electricity usage which is essential for meeting future demands. Low-carbon electricity generation has also seen a noteworthy rise, reaching 1512 kWh per person, up from the 2023 benchmark of 1410 kWh. The parallel increase in both overall and clean electricity indicates that regions are beginning to address the critical need for sustainable growth, although widespread adoption and expansion are still necessary to maintain momentum.
Suggestions
To further increase low-carbon electricity generation, regions globally can take cues from the success stories of others. For example, France and Slovakia have demonstrated remarkable leadership in nuclear energy, generating around 70% and 66%, respectively, from this source. Similarly, states like Iowa and Denmark showcase the potential of wind power, contributing 60% and 58% respectively. Solar power also shows promise, with regions such as Nevada deriving a third of their electricity from the sun. These examples highlight how focusing on scalable and effective implementations of nuclear and solar energy, in particular, can significantly boost low-carbon electricity generation. Embracing technologies with proven success and potential for scaling up will be pivotal in advancing clean electricity generation across the globe.
History
Historically, trends in low-carbon energy have shown significant fluctuation, with certain periods witnessing considerable advancements. In the late 20th century, the development of nuclear energy experienced consistent growth, notably during the mid-1980s with substantial annual increases. However, the early 21st century saw challenges, particularly in nuclear power, with a notable decline in 2011 and again in 2022. Moving beyond these setbacks, the recent decade has seen remarkable growth in wind and solar energy. Solar energy, in particular, has shown exponential growth from 2021 to 2024, showcasing the technology's potential for rapid scaling. In 2024, solar saw an impressive increase of 470 TWh, and wind followed with a gain of 191 TWh, further supported by a stable boost in hydropower output. This history not only underscores the transformative impact of combining innovations in various low-carbon technologies but also illustrates the necessity for continued investment and focus on these resources to secure a sustainable energy future.
