For the first time since the 1940s, clean energy sources—especially renewables and nuclear—together provided more than 40% of the world’s electricity. In 2024, this milestone was reached due to an increase in renewable energy production, according to the latest report from the global energy think tank Ember. This milestone marks a decisive step in the global transition to sustainable energy.
Solar takes the lead as the fastest-growing energy source
Renewable energy saw a remarkable increase in 2024, adding a record 858 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity—nearly 50% more than the previous record set in 2022. Solar energy was the main driver of this growth, contributing 474 TWh and achieving an impressive share of 6.9% of global electricity. This marks the twentieth consecutive year that solar has been the fastest-growing source of electricity in the world.
In just three years, solar energy production has doubled, producing over 2,000 TWh in 2024 alone. Wind energy continues to grow as well, accounting for 8.1% of global electricity, while hydropower—the largest single renewable source—has remained stable at 14%.
Phil MacDonald, CEO of Ember, called solar energy the “engine of the global energy transition,” emphasizing that combined with advancements in battery storage, solar energy is poised to become an indispensable force to meet the world’s growing electricity demands.
Rising energy demand and the impact of heatwaves
Despite this surge in renewables, fossil fuels also experienced a slight increase in use—around 1.4% in 2024—as rising electricity demand pushed global power sector emissions to a record high, increasing by 1.6%. Heatwaves played a significant role in this growth, accounting for nearly one-fifth of the overall increase in electricity consumption. Air conditioning and cooling needs during the hottest months were key contributors.
Without the impact of high temperatures, fossil fuel production would have increased only marginally, by about 0.2%, as clean energy sources covered 96% of demand growth unrelated to the heat.
MacDonald noted that this weather-related rise is unlikely to be repeated next year, calling for a focus on long-term clean energy trends rather than short-term fluctuations.
How technology and emerging economies shape electricity use
New technologies such as artificial intelligence, data centers, electric vehicles, and heat pumps are driving demand for electricity upwards. In 2024, these sectors contributed to a 0.7% increase in global electricity use—double their impact from five years ago. Their growing energy consumption highlights the importance of expanding clean energy production capacity.
Emerging economies, particularly China and India, play a key role in this energy transformation. China alone accounted for more than half of the global increase in solar energy in 2024, meeting 81% of its growing electricity needs with clean production. India’s solar capacity additions have doubled compared to 2023, underscoring a clear commitment to growing renewables.
Professor Xunpeng Shi, president of the International Society for Energy Transition Studies, emphasized that “the future of the global energy system is taking shape in Asia,” where the growing reliance on renewables accelerates the global decline of fossil fuels.
In the future: growth of clean energy outpacing demand
Ember’s findings suggest that the growth of renewable and nuclear energy will continue to outpace increases in electricity demand, signaling the beginning of a permanent decline in fossil fuel use. The current pace of clean energy expansion is sufficient to cover demand growth rates of up to 4.1% annually until 2030—higher than most projections.
MacDonald emphasized that while many are anxiously watching how emerging technologies will affect energy consumption, the booming solar and wind industries are well positioned to meet these challenges. Expectations that fossil fuel-based electricity will continue to rise seem increasingly misplaced.
How homeowners can benefit from the solar boom
If you live in an area prone to natural disasters or frequent power outages, this rise in renewable energy offers an opportunity to enhance your home’s resilience. Installing solar panels with battery storage systems can provide reliable backup power.
To find trustworthy solar installers offering competitive pricing, services such as EnergySage provide a free platform connecting consumers with pre-selected professionals. By comparing personalized quotes and accessing expert advice, homeowners can confidently navigate the transition to solar while saving 20 to 30% compared to going it alone.
