The global power sector has reached a new milestone in 2024, surpassing 40% clean energy for the first time since the 1940s, according to a report from the energy think tank Ember. This marks a significant step toward a more sustainable energy future, driven primarily by the rapid expansion of renewable energy sources.
Ember’s analysis reveals that renewables were the main drivers of clean power growth, adding a record 858 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2024—an increase of 49% over the previous high in 2022. Solar energy led this growth, contributing 474TWh, and maintaining its position as the largest single renewable power source for the third consecutive year. The solar sector’s share of global electricity reached 6.9%, marking a continued upward trajectory.
“Solar power has become the engine of the global energy transition,” said Phil MacDonald, managing director of Ember. “Paired with battery storage, solar is set to be an unstoppable force. As the fastest-growing and largest source of new electricity, it is critical in meeting the world’s ever-increasing demand for electricity.”
Solar power’s rapid growth is underscored by a 29% increase in generation, making it the fastest-growing power source for the 20th consecutive year. In fact, solar electricity has more than doubled in just three years, reaching over 2,000 TWh of global electricity in 2024.
Wind power also showed robust growth, contributing 8.1% to global electricity, while hydropower’s share held steady at 14%, remaining the largest single renewable source.
Despite the overall progress in renewable energy, fossil fuel-based generation saw a modest increase of 1.4% in 2024, driven by higher global electricity demand. The report notes that heatwaves, which led to increased cooling demands, were a key factor in the rise of fossil generation. As a result, global power sector emissions increased by 1.6% to reach an all-time high.
“Amid the noise, it’s essential to focus on the real signal,” MacDonald said, addressing the rise in fossil fuel generation. “Hotter weather drove the fossil generation increase in 2024, but we’re very unlikely to see a similar jump in 2025.”
Ember’s sixth annual Global Electricity Review also introduces the first-ever open dataset on electricity generation for 2024. This dataset covers 88 countries, accounting for 93% of global electricity demand, and includes historical data for 215 countries.
The findings of the report highlight the continuing transition toward cleaner energy sources, but also emphasize the challenges posed by rising electricity demand and climate-driven weather events. As the global energy system evolves, the role of renewables in shaping a sustainable future remains crucial.
