Solar leads global clean power portfolio with 2,000 TWh in 2024

Ember’s 2024 Global Electricity Review has reported that low-carbon sources, including renewables and nuclear, have accounted for 40.9% of global electricity generation. Renewables added 858 TWh, with solar contributing 474 TWh and reaching a 6.9% share of global output. Solar generation increased by 29% from the previous year and has doubled over the past three years. Wind accounted for 8.1% of generation, while hydro remained at 14%. Fossil fuel-based generation rose by 1.4% in 2024 due to a 4.0% rise in electricity demand, which was partly driven by heat-related cooling needs. Without the effects of higher temperatures, the increase in fossil generation would have been 0.2%. According to the analysis, the projected growth in clean electricity through 2030 is expected to match or exceed anticipated demand increases, estimated at 4.1% annually, indicating a possible long-term shift in the global electricity mix.