Clean Energy Powers 40% of Global Electricity in 2024

For the first time since the 1940s, clean energy met over 40% of the world’s electricity demand in 2024. This historic shift, driven by the rapid adoption of solar power and other renewable sources, marks a major milestone in the global energy transition. According to a report by the think tank Ember, solar energy has emerged as the fastest-growing energy source for the past 20 years, standing at the forefront of the transition to cleaner, greener power.

Solar Power—The Fastest Growing Star of Clean Energy

The Ember report reveals that solar power has doubled its capacity in just three years. While it now accounts for 7% of global electricity, this is only the beginning of its promising trajectory. Phil MacDonald, Managing Director of Ember, describes solar energy as “an unstoppable force” when paired with battery storage. “It’s the fastest-growing and largest source of new electricity, playing a critical role in meeting the world’s increasing energy demands,” he stated.

Despite its rapid growth, solar power remains relatively modest in scale compared to other sources of clean energy. Wind power, for example, represents just over 8% of the global electricity supply. Yet, both solar and wind are steadily eroding the dominance of fossil fuels.

Hydro Power—The Longstanding Backbone

While solar and wind energy are surging, hydropower remains the most substantial contributor to clean energy, supplying 14% of global electricity in 2024. As one of the oldest renewable energy technologies, hydropower has provided consistent electricity since the 1940s, when global power systems were far smaller. Despite its relatively stable presence, it’s clear that the dynamic growth of solar and wind energy could soon rival hydro’s contributions.

A Turning Point for Fossil Fuels?

The report hints at a possible turning point for emissions from electricity generation. Clean energy—spanning solar, wind, hydro, nuclear, and bioenergy—is growing faster than the world’s electricity demand, which raises hopes for a decline in fossil fuel reliance. Global electricity demand is expected to rise at a faster rate over the next three years, growing by an average of 3.4% annually through 2026. This underscores the importance of clean energy sources in meeting the increasing demand while reducing emissions.

This surge highlighted the balancing act faced by the energy sector. Despite setbacks, overall advancements in clean energy promise to gradually edge out fossil fuel generation in the coming years.

The Role of New Technologies in Electricity Demand

The growing electricity demand isn’t just driven by heatwaves; emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), electric vehicles (EVs), and heat pumps are becoming significant factors. Combined, these innovations contributed to a 0.7% increase in global electricity demand in 2024—double their impact five years ago.

Phil MacDonald adds, “The world is watching how AI, EVs, and other technologies will influence electricity needs. It’s clear that booming solar and wind are in a strong position to deliver, disappointing those expecting fossil fuel growth to continue.”

The Challenges Ahead

While the progress in clean energy is inspiring, challenges remain. Global carbon emissions from electricity generation rose by 1.6% in 2024, reaching a new high due to unprecedented energy usage. To achieve long-term sustainability, renewable energy sources must not only meet but exceed growing electricity demands driven by population increases, urbanization, and technological progress.

The path to cleaner energy also involves addressing potential bottlenecks like storage capacity, infrastructure investment, and regulatory frameworks. Integrating battery technologies with renewable systems is essential to ensure stability and reliability, especially during peak electricity demand. Strong growth in wind and solar drove the share of renewables in the global electricity mix above 30% and total clean generation to almost 40%.

Clean Energy’s Bright Future

The Ember report provides a clear message: the global energy landscape is shifting in favor of renewables, with solar and wind energy leading the charge. Clean energy has firmly established itself as not just an alternative but a primary source of electricity in an energy-hungry world.

If this growth continues, it’s not unrealistic to imagine a future where clean energy powers a majority of the planet’s electricity needs, leaving fossil fuels as a relic of the past. By harnessing the power of solar, wind, and hydro energy, along with nuclear advances and efficient battery storage, the world edges closer to a decarbonised energy system.

Clean energy is not just about reducing emissions; it’s about building a sustainable foundation for the next century of global development. And as solar power cements itself as the “engine of the global energy transition,” the journey towards a greener, cleaner, and more resilient power system is well underway.