In a significant milestone for sustainable energy, renewable energy sources provided a record-breaking 32% of global electricity in 2024, according to a comprehensive report released by the energy think tank Ember. This figure represents a remarkable increase from the 30% share achieved in 2023, underscoring the rapid advancements and growing contributions from renewable sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power.

The report illustrates a continuing global shift towards sustainable energy solutions, as nations worldwide increasingly prioritize cleaner energy options in response to climate change. The growing reliance on renewable energy is further amplified by the rising demand for electricity, which surged by 4% last year. This spike in demand can be attributed to extreme heatwaves experienced across various regions, coupled with the burgeoning energy requirements of data centers that support our digital economy.

Technological innovations also played a crucial role in this growth. The report highlights that advancements in technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), electric vehicles, and heat pumps, contributed approximately 0.7% to the total growth in electricity consumption. These developments underscore how the evolving landscape of energy use is adapting in response to both technological progress and climate-related challenges.

Euan Graham, an electricity and data analyst at Ember, noted that the growing concerns surrounding energy security could further amplify the demand for renewable energy sources. Graham explained to Reuters that the ongoing trade dispute, particularly the extensive tariffs imposed during former US President Donald Trump's administration, has added to these security concerns and may drive a heightened interest in renewable energy solutions in the near future.

While it may be too early to gauge the full impact of the US trade war on overall electricity consumption, Graham emphasized the potential for renewable energy to experience a significant boost in the coming years, especially as nations assess their energy strategies amid global economic uncertainties and recession fears.

Interestingly, the expansion of renewable energy generation in 2024 has outpaced fossil fuels, with gas power plants maintaining their contribution to global electricity production at 22%, unchanged from 2023. In contrast, coal remains the largest single source of electricity, supplying 34% of the global total, albeit with a slight decrease from 36% the previous year. Nuclear power accounted for 9% of global electricity, reflecting a minor decline from 9.1% in 2023.

The heatwaves experienced throughout 2024 notably increased electricity demand for cooling purposes, accounting for an additional 0.7% of global electricity consumption, equivalent to approximately 208 terawatt-hours (TWh). This surge further emphasizes the urgent need for expanded renewable energy solutions to meet the rising energy demands of our society.

This groundbreaking update on global electricity generation was originally created and published by Energy Monitor, a brand owned by GlobalData.