According to the Electricity 2024 report released by the International Energy Agency, the global demand for electricity will be met by low-emission sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear power for the next three years. This finding highlights the significant role that renewable and clean energy sources will play in fulfilling the world’s growing electricity needs. The report underscores the ongoing transition towards sustainable power generation and the increasing reliance on environmentally friendly alternatives to meet global energy demands.
According to projections, low-emission sources of electricity are expected to contribute to nearly half of the world’s total electricity generation by 2026, marking a significant increase from the 39% recorded in 2023. The forecast indicates a steady growth in the adoption of renewable energy sources. By early 2025, renewables are anticipated to surpass coal and become the leading contributor, accounting for over one-third of the global electricity generation. This shift highlights the accelerating transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy options, further cementing the pivotal role of renewables in the future of global power generation.
It is projected that the proportion of renewables in electricity generation will rise from 30% in 2023 to 37% in 2026, primarily driven by the widespread adoption of cost-effective solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. This growth trend will enable renewables to surpass the increased electricity demand in advanced economies like the United States and the European Union. During this period, the expansion of renewable energy sources will more than compensate for the rising energy needs in these regions, emphasizing the significant contribution of renewables in meeting the global demand for clean and sustainable electricity.
In China, the rapid growth of renewable energy sources is anticipated to fulfill the entirety of the additional electricity demand. However, uncertainties regarding the weather conditions and the extent to which the country’s demand growth will ease are crucial factors that could impact the outlook. While the expansion of renewables in China presents a promising solution, it is important to consider the influence of unpredictable weather patterns and the potential fluctuations in the country’s demand growth on the overall renewable energy landscape.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) emphasized the importance of investing in grids and system flexibility alongside the expansion of renewable energy capacity to ensure a seamless integration. According to the IEA, it is crucial to develop and enhance the infrastructure and mechanisms that support the transmission and distribution of renewable energy. This investment in grids and system flexibility will play a vital role in efficiently integrating renewable energy sources into existing power systems, enabling a reliable and sustainable transition to a cleaner energy future.
