From around the world: World surpasses 40% clean electricity

The world generated more than 40 per cent of its electricity from low-carbon sources last year, according to new analysis. That’s a record not broken since the 1940s, when the global electricity system was 50 times smaller than it is today, and hydropower did the heavy lifting.

Now, it’s solar energy that is soaring in a targeted race to build an entirely clean electricity system. Global solar generation has become large enough to power all of India, Ember’s latest Global Electricity Review finds. 

Power sector emissions also reached an all-time high last year, however, at 14.6 billion tonnes of CO2. This was mainly driven by a need for cooling technology during heatwaves, as 2024 turned into the hottest year on record - underscoring the urgency of the energy transition. 

The EU is well ahead of the global average, having generated 71 per cent of its electricity from clean sources in 2024, which include nuclear. 

Solar generation in the EU almost doubled in the three years to 2024 to account for 11 per cent of electricity, surpassing coal for the first time. 

Seven member states rank among the top 15 countries with the highest shares of solar generation worldwide.

There are national achievements to spotlight. In absolute terms, Germany generated 71 TWh of solar last year, coming in sixth place globally, with all countries dwarfed by China’s 834 TWh output. 

Hungary has the world’s highest share of solar in its electricity mix, at 25 per cent. This was due to a generous incentive scheme for residential solar that boosted capacity, Petrovich explains. It’s over now, but the panels will keep doing their job for decades.

Spain, meanwhile, gets the prize for Europe’s biggest increase in solar generation last year. Its 10 TWh surge is again eclipsed by China’s 250 TWh. China was responsible for more than half of the global change in generation - an astonishing 53 per cent - in 2024.

Even with less optimal weather conditions compared to 2023, an increase in panels - including on rooftops - led to more electricity being generated. There is no slow down in the growth of the EU’s solar capacity yet, despite the high penetration rate.

Now it’s time for Europe to show the world how to bring clean power to the next level. That means having even more solar and wind in the mix and the flexibility to make the most of them. 

This means a portfolio of solutions, including batteries for energy storage, smart electrification of transport, buildings and industry, and an enhanced grid to shift electricity around regions.