A recent report by energy thinktank Ember reveals that in 2024, clean energy sources supplied over 40% of global electricity for the first time since the 1940s. This achievement is largely attributed to a significant expansion in solar power, which has doubled in capacity over the past three years and has been the fastest-growing energy source globally for two decades. Despite this rapid growth, solar power accounted for nearly 7% of global electricity in 2024, while wind contributed just over 8%. Hydroelectric power remains the largest renewable source, supplying 14% of global electricity.
The report also indicates that clean energy sources, including nuclear and bioenergy, are expanding at a pace that surpasses the overall growth in electricity demand, potentially reducing reliance on fossil fuels in the energy mix. However, increased electricity demand from heatwaves, artificial intelligence, data centers, electric vehicles, and heat pumps led to a 0.7% increase in electricity demand in 2024. Nevertheless, Ember’s analysis suggests that the growth in clean energy, particularly in solar and wind, is sufficient to meet future demands and decrease dependence on fossil fuels.
Global Electricity
China played a significant role in this advancement, contributing nearly 64% of the new renewable energy capacity in 2024, primarily from solar installations. Despite these gains, the world is projected to fall 28% short of the goal to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030, a target set to mitigate climate change impacts.
In summary, the global shift toward clean energy is accelerating, with solar power emerging as a pivotal component in the transition. While challenges remain, the rapid expansion of renewable energy sources offers a promising path toward reducing global reliance on fossil fuels and addressing climate change.
