Clean Power Makes Up 40% Of Global Energy, Says New Report

Ember released its annual Global Electricity Review, which looks at the global changes in energy generation in 2024. According to the research, after reviewing electricity usage from 215 countries, it was discovered that 40.9% of global electricity generation resulted from low-carbon sources in 2024. This was led by growth in solar generation, making up 29% of global electricity generation, and the result of advancements in solar power generation and battery storage systems over the past few years.

The Ember report found that over 2024, there was a 4% increase in power demand, due to several heatwaves. This resulted in a small increase in fossil generation. Heat pumps, electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, among other technologies are driving the demand for electricity across the globe. The report also found that electricity demand saw a rise in 2024, outpacing the growth of clean power. A report from the National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association (NEMA) agrees, predicting the growth in electricity demand in the U.S. will be driven by a 300% rise in energy consumption by data centers alone. The study, A Reliable Grid for an Electric Future, anticipates that overall energy usage is expected to grow from 21% of final energy usage to 32% by 2050.

According to Ember, the biggest takeaways from this report are solar power generation’s rapid rise and the increasing demand for more electricity. To manage energy spending, businesses will have to continue focusing on facility efficiency and the reliability of the energy supply.