2024: 41% of Electricity from Renewable Sources
Surge in Global Energy Demand and Renewable Production
According to the recent "Global Energy Evaluation 2025" report from the International Energy Agency (IEA), global energy demand has significantly accelerated, surpassing last year’s figures. Notably, electricity production saw an increase of approximately 1,200 terawatt-hours.
Key Energy Sources
During the past year, renewable energy sources accounted for 32% of total electricity generation, while nuclear energy contributed 9%. The bulk of renewable generation stemmed from solar and wind energy, which achieved record outputs in 2024. Specifically, these sources collectively added 670 terawatt-hours to electricity generation, while nuclear power increased by 100 terawatt-hours.
In terms of capacity, around 700 gigawatts of renewable energy was commissioned globally last year, with solar power plants representing nearly 80% of this new capacity. Additionally, the nuclear sector saw the incorporation of about 7 gigawatts and commenced construction on nine new reactors, expected to yield a total of 11 gigawatts upon completion. Most of these projects are derived from designs developed in China and Russia.
Shifts in Energy Production
For the first time, both the European Union (EU) and the United States reported that solar and wind energy production surpassed that of coal and natural gas. In China, solar and wind energy represented approximately 20% of total production.
Transforming Electrical Systems
Aliaksei Patonia, a research assistant at the Oxford Energy Studies Institute, noted that the rise of low-carbon resource electricity generation is reshaping global electrical systems. Patonia highlighted that corporate demands and government incentives for clean energy are propelling this change. In 2024, a record investment of $2.1 trillion in clean energy was recorded, driven by the integration of renewable resources, the digitalization of electrical systems, battery storage solutions, and wave energy production.
While recognizing that nuclear energy may not currently be on par with renewables, Patonia acknowledged its substantial role in contributing to clean energy. He stated that most of the new nuclear projects are located in China and Russia, while existing plants in the U.S., Europe, and Asia are vital for providing reliable, zero-carbon base load electricity.
A Turning Point in Energy Production
Patonia emphasized that the rising output from renewable sources in the U.S. and EU marks a significant shift in the global energy landscape. He described this transformation as unlikely yet crucial, especially in developed economies, where coal is increasingly being phased out in favor of cleaner alternatives. However, coal remains a key energy source for countries like China and India.
Moreover, Patonia pointed out the competition for critical raw materials essential for clean energy—such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements—as a critical trend that carries geopolitical implications. Nations are vying to secure their production capacities, reduce dependencies, and foster flexible clean technology industries, making the transition to energy sources a high-stakes endeavor.
As the global energy landscape continues to evolve, the emphasis on renewable and nuclear power reflects a pivotal move toward sustainability and environmental responsibility.
