Clean Energy Provided 40% Of Global Electricity In 2024

Over 40% of the world’s electricity in 2024 came from clean energy sources, according to a new report from energy think-tank Ember, Jonah Fisher reported for BBC News.

Hydropower remains the largest clean source, contributing 14%.

The report highlights solar power as the fastest-growing energy source globally, having doubled its electricity generation over the past three years.

“Solar power has become the engine of the global energy transition,” said Ember’s managing director, Phil Macdonald.

According to the report, solar has now been the fastest-growing electricity source for the 20th consecutive year, with its output doubling every three years since 2012. Despite that, it still makes up just under 7% of the global energy mix.

Hydropower remains the largest clean source, contributing 14%, followed by wind (8%) and nuclear (9%). Growth in hydro and nuclear power has been slower compared to solar and wind.

This is the first time since the 1940s that clean energy has provided such a large share of global electricity generation.

However, the report also notes a concerning trend: global carbon dioxide emissions have hit a record high. Hot weather in many regions increased electricity demand, pushing utilities to rely more heavily on fossil-fueled power plants to meet shortfalls.