Renewable Power Generation Surpasses 40% of Global Electricity
The world reached a historic energy milestone in 2024: for the first time, renewable power generation surpassed 40% of global electricity generation. This leap forward was driven by an unprecedented rise in renewables, particularly solar renewable energy, which helped the world meet the surging demand for electricity without an equally steep rise in fossil fuel consumption.
A Breakthrough Year for Clean Electricity
The year 2024 marked a defining moment in the global transition to clean electricity. The share of clean energy including solar panel power generation, wind, hydro, nuclear, and other renewable power sources reached 40.9% of global electricity generation, up from 39.4% in 2023. This is the first time since the 1940s that clean energy sources have claimed such a substantial share, and back then, the global power system was 50 times smaller than today.
Notably, solar PV generation played the largest role in this shift, contributing nearly half of the new electricity added globally. When combined with wind, solar panel energy exceeded the output from hydropower for the first time, signalling a new era in the clean energy landscape.
Clean Energy Surpasses Fossil Fuels in Growth Contribution
Despite hotter global temperatures driving up electricity use, clean electricity generation still grew fast enough to meet most of the demand. Renewable power generation added 858 TWh of new electricity, an astonishing 49% jump over the previous record set in 2022.
Here’s a breakdown of contributions from key clean energy sources in 2024:
| Energy Source | Increase (TWh) | Share of Demand Growth |
| Solar Power | +474 | 40% |
| Hydropower | +182 | 15% |
| Wind | +182 | 15% |
| Nuclear | +69 | 6% |
| Total Clean Generation | +927 | 79% |
This surge enabled clean power to meet nearly four-fifths of global demand growth. Solar power generation alone accounted for 40% of that growth, driven by record installations and technological maturity.
Solar Renewable Energy Leads the Charge
Solar renewable energy has proven to be the fastest-growing energy source globally for two decades. In 2024, it maintained its dominant momentum with a 29% increase—adding 474 TWh in new electricity generation. This record-breaking growth resulted from massive capacity additions: 585 GW of new solar infrastructure came online globally during 2023 and 2024.
Cumulatively, solar panel power generation reached 2,131 TWh in 2024. This remarkable figure means solar power has doubled every three years, positioning it as the key enabler of the clean energy transition.
While rooftop and distributed solar systems remain partially underreported in many countries, especially in regions with booming residential adoption, the known growth has still exceeded projections—solidifying solar’s role as a cornerstone of future electricity systems.
Hydropower Rebounds, Wind Remains Stable
Hydropower bounced back strongly from drought-affected years, adding 182 TWh of generation and hitting a new record. China alone contributed 72% of this rebound due to recovering water levels. However, despite capacity growth, the overall capacity factor of hydro systems remains below historical averages, suggesting room for efficiency improvements.
Wind power also added 182 TWh in 2024, with capacity expansions continuing globally. Although generation was tempered by slightly weaker wind conditions in key regions like China and the EU, the outlook remains positive. Strong investment and stable policy environments are expected to boost wind’s contribution in the coming years.
Clean Energy Progress by Region
A total of 80 countries generated more than 50% of their electricity from clean sources in 2024, with 47 countries exceeding 75%. As renewable power sources expanded, the global share of fossil fuels dropped below 60% for the first time in over 80 years.
Region | Fossil Generation Change (TWh) | Notes |
China | +116 | One-third of 2023’s increase |
India | +67 | Lowest post-COVID increase |
US | +34 | Driven by gas rise |
EU | -75 | Clean electricity offset demand |
The United States saw a modest rebound in fossil fuel generation, mostly gas, after a decline in 2023. Meanwhile, the EU continued its downward trend in fossil fuel usage thanks to robust clean electricity growth. China and India—though still increasing their fossil generation—showed smaller-than-average rises.
High Temperatures Amplify Electricity Demand
A major challenge in 2024 was record-breaking global heat. Total electricity demand rose by 4.0% (+1,172 TWh), the third-highest rate in the past decade. However, when accounting for temperature-related effects, underlying demand growth was only 3.3%, consistent with 2023.
Temperature variations influenced electricity use in two keyways:
Heating demand fell by 29 TWh, resulting from milder winters.
Cooling demand increased by 238 TWh due to heatwaves in populous countries such as China, the US, and India.
Net effect: a temperature-driven demand increases to 208 TWh.
Year | Electricity Demand Growth (%) | Temp-Adjusted Growth (%) |
2023 | 2.6% | 3.3% |
2024 | 4.0% | 3.3% |
Without the heatwaves, fossil fuel generation would have barely increased. Instead, fossil fuels filled the gap caused by excess temperature-related demand, leading to a 1.4% rise in fossil electricity output and a 1.6% increase in power sector CO₂ emissions.
Emissions Rise Despite Clean Energy Boom
Power sector CO₂ emissions reached a record 14.6 billion tonnes in 2024, rising by 223 million tonnes from 2023. This increase was not due to failures in clean energy development but primarily a result of heat-driven electricity consumption.
Clean energy generation (927 TWh) was more than enough to meet the temperature-adjusted demand growth of 963 TWh. The additional 208 TWh from temperature effects had to be met with fossil fuels, explaining the emissions rise.
Had temperatures remained similar to 2023, global fossil generation would have increased by just 0.2%.
Looking Ahead: Clean Electricity Momentum Continues
The data from 2024 demonstrates that the global energy system is firmly on a path toward clean power. Solar power generation, wind, and other renewables are now outpacing fossil fuels in capacity growth and are becoming the primary response to rising demand.
Continued investments, smarter grid infrastructure, and policy support will be key to maintaining momentum. The challenge now is twofold:
2. Build resilience in energy systems to adapt to climate-driven changes in consumption patterns.
1. Ensure clean energy not only meets future demand growth but also begins to replace existing fossil infrastructure.
As countries ramp up efforts to decarbonise their electricity grids, the record-setting year of 2024 sets a powerful precedent: a future powered predominantly by solar renewable energy and other clean electricity sources is not just possible—it is already underway.
Excel Energy Champions the Clean Power Revolution as Solar Panel Energy Leads the Global Surge"
In summary this groundbreaking achievement in clean power generation is a clear testament to the global shift towards a more sustainable energy future. As we surpass 40% of electricity from clean power sources, solar panels energy continues to play a pivotal role in this transformation, with substantial contributions from wind, hydro, and nuclear power as well.
At Excel Energy, we are proud to be at the forefront of supporting solar panel power generation and renewable energy solutions. Our commitment to providing innovative commercial solar panel solutions ensures that businesses and communities can harness the power of the sun to not only reduce their carbon footprint but also achieve long-term energy savings. As we look toward a future powered predominantly by clean energy, we invite you to join us on this journey toward sustainability.
Take action today—whether you’re considering commercial solar PV systems for your business or looking to learn more about renewable energy solutions, Excel Energy is here to guide you every step of the way. Reach out to us and start your transition to a greener, more efficient energy future.
