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Electricity in 2023: World Generation Up 2.6% to 29,620 TWh, Low Carbon Share 39.3%

The world generated 29,620 TWh of electricity in 2023, up 2.6% on 2022. Low carbon sources (nuclear and renewables) supplied 39.3% of world electricity in 2023, up 0.8 points on 2022. Solar and wind together produced 13.5% of world electricity in 2023, up 1.5 points on 2022. Power sector emissions were 14,338 MtCO2 in 2023, up 1.3% on 2022. The carbon intensity of world electricity was 484 gCO2/kWh in 2023, down 1.3% on 2022. China added the most solar generation in 2023, 157 TWh more than in 2022. The United States cut its coal generation most in 2023, by 156 TWh. Data as of 2023, Ember annual statistics.

213 countries have an Ember generation figure for 2023, together 100% of the world total; 213 of them also have one for 2022, and the country lists below use those. World totals are Ember's own World region, not a sum of these countries.

The World in 2023

Against 2022
Generation 202329,620 TWhup 2.6% on 2022
Demand per person3.66 MWh/personup 1.7% on 2022
Low carbon share39.3%up 0.8 points on 2022
Solar and wind share13.5%up 1.5 points on 2022
Power sector CO214,338 MtCO2up 1.3% on 2022
Carbon intensity484 gCO2/kWhdown 1.3% on 2022

Key Facts, 2023

  • The world generated 29,620 TWh of electricity in 2023, up 2.6% on 2022.
  • World electricity demand per person was 3.66 MWh/person in 2023, up 1.7% on 2022.
  • Low carbon sources (nuclear and renewables) supplied 39.3% of world electricity in 2023, up 0.8 points on 2022.
  • Solar and wind together produced 13.5% of world electricity in 2023, up 1.5 points on 2022.
  • Power sector emissions were 14,338 MtCO2 in 2023, up 1.3% on 2022.
  • The carbon intensity of world electricity was 484 gCO2/kWh in 2023, down 1.3% on 2022.
  • China generated 157 TWh more solar electricity in 2023 than in 2022, from 427 TWh to 584 TWh.
  • Qatar generated 3.2 times as much solar electricity in 2023 as in 2022: 1.88 TWh against 590 GWh.
  • China generated 123 TWh more wind electricity in 2023 than in 2022, from 763 TWh to 886 TWh.
  • The United States generated 156 TWh less coal electricity in 2023 than in 2022, down 18.8% from 832 TWh to 675 TWh.
  • Venezuela's carbon intensity fell 49.1% in 2023, from 180 gCO2/kWh in 2022 to 92 gCO2/kWh.
  • Belarus' low carbon share rose 15.3 points in 2023, from 16.0% in 2022 to 31.3%.
  • Cambodia's low carbon share fell 23.3 points in 2023, from 65.5% in 2022 to 42.1%.
  • World power sector CO2 was the highest in the data in 2023: 14,338 MtCO2, up 1.3% on 2022. The data starts in 2000.

World Generation Mix, 2023 and 2022

Share of generation

2023

2023 World mix

By group

By fuel

2022

2022 World mix

By group

By fuel

World generation by source, 2023 against 2022. Coal 35.2% against 35.6%; Gas 22.5% against 22.8%; Hydro 14.3% against 15.0%; Nuclear 9.1% against 9.1%.

World generation by source, 2023 against 2022
SourceShare, 2023Share, 2022ChangeGeneration, 2023
Coal 35.2% 35.6% -0.4 pts 10,419 TWh
Gas 22.5% 22.8% -0.3 pts 6,660 TWh
Hydro 14.3% 15.0% -0.7 pts 4,247 TWh
Nuclear 9.1% 9.1% 0.0 pts 2,698 TWh
Wind 7.8% 7.3% +0.5 pts 2,317 TWh
Solar 5.6% 4.6% +1.0 pts 1,670 TWh
Other fossil 3.1% 3.2% -0.1 pts 904 TWh
Bioenergy 2.1% 2.1% 0.0 pts 616 TWh
Other renewables 0.3% 0.3% 0.0 pts 88.4 TWh

Biggest Movers Among Countries, 2023

Against 2022

Biggest Solar Growth, in TWh

China added the most solar generation in 2023: 157 TWh more than in 2022. 76 of 108 countries generated more solar electricity in 2023 than in 2022. The top five together added 244 TWh, 73% of the world's 335 TWh rise.

Biggest Solar Growth, in TWh, 2023: top 8
CountryMore solar than in 2022Generation
1. 🇨🇳 China+157 TWh427 TWh in 2022 to 584 TWh in 2023
2. 🇺🇸 United States+33.9 TWh205 TWh in 2022 to 239 TWh in 2023
3. 🇧🇷 Brazil+20.5 TWh30.1 TWh in 2022 to 50.6 TWh in 2023
4. 🇮🇳 India+19.5 TWh94.6 TWh in 2022 to 114 TWh in 2023
5. 🇪🇸 Spain+12.9 TWh35.7 TWh in 2022 to 48.6 TWh in 2023
6. 🇦🇺 Australia+7.45 TWh37.5 TWh in 2022 to 45.0 TWh in 2023
7. 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates+6.66 TWh7.74 TWh in 2022 to 14.4 TWh in 2023
8. 🇯🇵 Japan+5.29 TWh91.1 TWh in 2022 to 96.4 TWh in 2023

Countries that generated at least 10 TWh in 2023 and have a figure for both 2022 and 2023, 108 in this data.

Fastest Solar Growth, as a Multiple

Qatar grew its solar generation fastest in 2023, to 3.2 times what it was in 2022 (590 GWh in 2022 to 1.88 TWh in 2023).

Fastest Solar Growth, as a Multiple, 2023: top 8
CountrySolar as a multiple of 2022Generation
1. 🇶🇦 Qatar3.2 times590 GWh in 2022 to 1.88 TWh in 2023
2. 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia2.6 times1.22 TWh in 2022 to 3.13 TWh in 2023
3. 🇨🇴 Colombia2.1 times630 GWh in 2022 to 1.34 TWh in 2023
4. 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates1.9 times7.74 TWh in 2022 to 14.4 TWh in 2023
5. 🇦🇹 Austria1.8 times3.79 TWh in 2022 to 6.89 TWh in 2023
6. 🇧🇬 Bulgaria1.7 times2.09 TWh in 2022 to 3.52 TWh in 2023
7. 🇧🇷 Brazil1.7 times30.1 TWh in 2022 to 50.6 TWh in 2023
8. 🇸🇪 Sweden1.6 times1.98 TWh in 2022 to 3.11 TWh in 2023

Countries that generated at least 10 TWh in 2023 and have a figure for both 2022 and 2023, 108 in this data. Needs at least 0.3 TWh of solar in 2022 and 1 TWh in 2023, so growth from almost nothing is not counted.

Biggest Wind Growth, in TWh

China added the most wind generation in 2023: 123 TWh more than in 2022. 56 of 108 countries generated more wind electricity in 2023 than in 2022. The top five together added 177 TWh, 84% of the world's 211 TWh rise.

Biggest Wind Growth, in TWh, 2023: top 8
CountryMore wind than in 2022Generation
1. 🇨🇳 China+123 TWh763 TWh in 2022 to 886 TWh in 2023
2. 🇩🇪 Germany+15.7 TWh125 TWh in 2022 to 141 TWh in 2023
3. 🇧🇷 Brazil+14.2 TWh81.6 TWh in 2022 to 95.8 TWh in 2023
4. 🇫🇷 France+12.3 TWh38.2 TWh in 2022 to 50.5 TWh in 2023
5. 🇮🇳 India+12.1 TWh70.1 TWh in 2022 to 82.1 TWh in 2023
6. 🇳🇱 Netherlands+7.95 TWh21.6 TWh in 2022 to 29.5 TWh in 2023
7. 🇵🇱 Poland+4.40 TWh19.8 TWh in 2022 to 24.2 TWh in 2023
8. 🇮🇹 Italy+3.10 TWh20.5 TWh in 2022 to 23.6 TWh in 2023

Countries that generated at least 10 TWh in 2023 and have a figure for both 2022 and 2023, 108 in this data.

Largest Falls in Coal Generation

The United States cut its coal generation most in 2023: 156 TWh less than in 2022. 39 of 108 countries generated less coal electricity than in 2022.

Largest Falls in Coal Generation, 2023: top 8
CountryLess coal than in 2022Generation
1. 🇺🇸 United States-156 TWh832 TWh in 2022 to 675 TWh in 2023
2. 🇩🇪 Germany-55.2 TWh180 TWh in 2022 to 125 TWh in 2023
3. 🇵🇱 Poland-25.9 TWh125 TWh in 2022 to 98.9 TWh in 2023
4. 🇯🇵 Japan-24.1 TWh351 TWh in 2022 to 327 TWh in 2023
5. 🇧🇬 Bulgaria-10.1 TWh21.8 TWh in 2022 to 11.7 TWh in 2023
6. 🇿🇦 South Africa-9.48 TWh202 TWh in 2022 to 192 TWh in 2023
7. 🇮🇹 Italy-9.39 TWh22.6 TWh in 2022 to 13.2 TWh in 2023
8. 🇰🇷 South Korea-7.88 TWh209 TWh in 2022 to 201 TWh in 2023

Countries that generated at least 10 TWh in 2023 and have a figure for both 2022 and 2023, 108 in this data. Needs at least 1 TWh of coal in 2022.

Biggest Cuts in Carbon Intensity

Venezuela cleaned up its grid most in 2023: carbon intensity down 49.1% on 2022 (180 gCO2/kWh in 2022 to 92 gCO2/kWh in 2023). 71 of 108 countries had a lower carbon intensity than in 2022.

Biggest Cuts in Carbon Intensity, 2023: top 8
CountryChange on 2022Carbon intensity
1. 🇻🇪 Venezuela-49.1%180 gCO2/kWh in 2022 to 92 gCO2/kWh in 2023
2. 🇫🇮 Finland-37.3%130 gCO2/kWh in 2022 to 81 gCO2/kWh in 2023
3. 🇫🇷 France-32.2%79 gCO2/kWh in 2022 to 53 gCO2/kWh in 2023
4. 🇵🇹 Portugal-29.6%225 gCO2/kWh in 2022 to 158 gCO2/kWh in 2023
5. 🇧🇬 Bulgaria-29.0%476 gCO2/kWh in 2022 to 338 gCO2/kWh in 2023
6. 🇸🇩 Sudan-28.5%204 gCO2/kWh in 2022 to 146 gCO2/kWh in 2023
7. 🇩🇰 Denmark-25.1%204 gCO2/kWh in 2022 to 153 gCO2/kWh in 2023
8. 🇪🇸 Spain-21.9%217 gCO2/kWh in 2022 to 170 gCO2/kWh in 2023

Countries that generated at least 10 TWh in 2023 and have a figure for both 2022 and 2023, 108 in this data. Both years need a valid, positive carbon intensity. Carbon intensity is the CO2 emitted per kilowatt hour generated, lifecycle emissions included.

Biggest Rises in Low Carbon Share

Belarus had the biggest rise in low carbon share in 2023: 15.3 points (16.0% in 2022 to 31.3% in 2023). 68 of 108 countries saw their low carbon share rise.

Biggest Rises in Low Carbon Share, 2023: top 8
CountryChange on 2022Low carbon share
1. 🇧🇾 Belarus+15.3 pts16.0% in 2022 to 31.3% in 2023
2. 🇵🇹 Portugal+14.9 pts59.6% in 2022 to 74.5% in 2023
3. 🇧🇬 Bulgaria+13.5 pts51.9% in 2022 to 65.4% in 2023
4. 🇻🇪 Venezuela+12.0 pts78.4% in 2022 to 90.3% in 2023
5. 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates+11.4 pts17.9% in 2022 to 29.3% in 2023
6. 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina+11.0 pts32.0% in 2022 to 43.1% in 2023
7. 🇸🇩 Sudan+9.2 pts71.8% in 2022 to 81.0% in 2023
8. 🇮🇹 Italy+8.7 pts35.9% in 2022 to 44.5% in 2023

Countries that generated at least 10 TWh in 2023 and have a figure for both 2022 and 2023, 108 in this data. Low carbon means nuclear and renewables, as a share of generation. Points are percentage points, not a percentage change.

Biggest Falls in Low Carbon Share

Cambodia had the biggest fall in low carbon share in 2023: 23.3 points (65.5% in 2022 to 42.1% in 2023). 33 of 108 countries saw their low carbon share fall.

Biggest Falls in Low Carbon Share, 2023: top 8
CountryChange on 2022Low carbon share
1. 🇰🇭 Cambodia-23.3 pts65.5% in 2022 to 42.1% in 2023
2. 🇬🇹 Guatemala-17.4 pts84.6% in 2022 to 67.3% in 2023
3. 🇵🇦 Panama-16.6 pts77.2% in 2022 to 60.6% in 2023
4. 🇨🇴 Colombia-8.2 pts74.4% in 2022 to 66.1% in 2023
5. 🇻🇳 Vietnam-5.8 pts49.9% in 2022 to 44.0% in 2023
6. 🇭🇳 Honduras-5.3 pts59.7% in 2022 to 54.3% in 2023
7. 🇹🇿 Tanzania-3.9 pts30.3% in 2022 to 26.5% in 2023
8. 🇲🇽 Mexico-3.8 pts27.6% in 2022 to 23.8% in 2023

Countries that generated at least 10 TWh in 2023 and have a figure for both 2022 and 2023, 108 in this data. Low carbon means nuclear and renewables, as a share of generation. Points are percentage points, not a percentage change.

Milestones in 2023

World and country
  • World power sector CO2 was the highest in the data in 2023: 14,338 MtCO2, up 1.3% on 2022. The data starts in 2000.
  • World carbon intensity was the lowest in the data in 2023: 484 gCO2/kWh, down 1.3% on 2022. The data starts in 2000.
  • The world low carbon share was the highest in the data in 2023: 39.3%, up 0.8 points on 2022. The data starts in 2000.
  • World coal generation was the highest in the data in 2023: 10,419 TWh, up 1.4% on 2022. The data starts in 2000.
  • World gas generation was the highest in the data in 2023: 6,660 TWh, up 1.3% on 2022. The data starts in 2000.
  • 🇩🇪 Germany generated more wind than coal electricity in 2023 for the first time in the data (which starts in 1985): 141 TWh against 125 TWh. In 2022, wind was 125 TWh against 180 TWh for coal.
  • 🇧🇷 Brazil generated more solar than gas electricity in 2023 for the first time in the data (which starts in 1985): 50.6 TWh against 38.6 TWh. In 2022, solar was 30.1 TWh against 42.1 TWh for gas.
  • 🇫🇷 France generated more wind than gas electricity in 2023: 50.5 TWh against 30.0 TWh. In 2022, wind was 38.2 TWh against 45.7 TWh for gas.
  • 🇻🇳 Vietnam generated more solar than gas electricity in 2023: 31.1 TWh against 26.4 TWh. In 2022, solar was 27.9 TWh against 29.2 TWh for gas.
  • 🇮🇹 Italy generated more wind than coal electricity in 2023: 23.6 TWh against 13.2 TWh. In 2022, wind was 20.5 TWh against 22.6 TWh for coal.
  • 🇨🇱 Chile generated more solar than gas electricity in 2023 for the first time in the data (which starts in 2000): 17.9 TWh against 16.8 TWh. In 2022, solar was 15.7 TWh against 16.1 TWh for gas.
  • 🇨🇱 Chile generated more solar than coal electricity in 2023 for the first time in the data (which starts in 2000): 17.9 TWh against 14.5 TWh. In 2022, solar was 15.7 TWh against 21.5 TWh for coal.
  • 🇵🇹 Portugal generated more wind than gas electricity in 2023: 13.2 TWh against 10.4 TWh. In 2022, wind was 13.3 TWh against 17.4 TWh for gas.
  • 🇿🇦 South Africa generated more wind than nuclear electricity in 2023 for the first time in the data (which starts in 2000): 11.6 TWh against 8.10 TWh. In 2022, wind was 9.70 TWh against 10.1 TWh for nuclear.
  • 🇦🇹 Austria generated more wind than gas electricity in 2023 for the first time in the data (which starts in 1990): 8.04 TWh against 7.50 TWh. In 2022, wind was 7.24 TWh against 10.9 TWh for gas.
  • 🇩🇰 Denmark generated more solar than coal electricity in 2023 for the first time in the data (which starts in 1990): 3.66 TWh against 2.53 TWh. In 2022, solar was 2.38 TWh against 4.43 TWh for coal.
  • 🇳🇿 New Zealand generated more wind than gas electricity in 2023 for the first time in the data (which starts in 2000): 3.51 TWh against 3.36 TWh. In 2022, wind was 2.89 TWh against 4.31 TWh for gas.
  • 🇵🇰 Pakistan got more than half of its electricity from low carbon sources in 2023: 51.9%, up from 46.2% in 2022.
  • 🇳🇱 The Netherlands got more than half of its electricity from low carbon sources in 2023: 50.7%, up from 43.6% in 2022.
  • 🇨🇿 Czechia got more than half of its electricity from low carbon sources in 2023: 54.8%, up from 49.9% in 2022.
  • 🇫🇮 Finland had a low carbon share above 90% for the first time in the data, which starts in 1990: 94.0% in 2023, against 88.7% in 2022.
  • 🇻🇪 Venezuela had a low carbon share above 90% for the first time in the data, which starts in 2000: 90.3% in 2023, against 78.4% in 2022.

Each milestone is read from the annual series: a source counts as passing another when it was at or below it in 2022 and above it in 2023, with at least 1 TWh on each side. Country milestones are limited to countries generating at least 10 TWh. Records are the highest or lowest value in the data up to 2023.

By Continent, 2023

Countries with data for both years
Generation and low carbon share by continent, 2023 against 2022, countries with data for both years
ContinentCountriesGenerationChangeLow carbon share
Asia 50 17,017 TWh +5.0% 29.7%
North America 34 5,401 TWh -0.6% 44.2%
Europe 42 4,556 TWh -1.2% 60.1%
South America 15 1,282 TWh +2.8% 79.0%
Africa 56 931 TWh +0.8% 25.4%
Oceania 16 328 TWh 0.0% 41.6%

Each row sums only the countries that have a generation figure for both 2022 and 2023, so the change compares the same countries. Continents follow the grouping on the country pages.

Questions About Electricity in 2023

How much electricity did the world generate in 2023?

The world generated 29,620 TWh of electricity in 2023, up 2.6% on 2022. Figures are Ember annual statistics (World region).

What share of world electricity was low carbon in 2023?

Low carbon sources (nuclear and renewables) supplied 39.3% of world electricity in 2023, up 0.8 points on 2022. Low carbon here means nuclear plus all renewables.

Did power sector emissions rise or fall in 2023?

Power sector emissions were 14,338 MtCO2 in 2023, up 1.3% on 2022. The carbon intensity of world electricity was 484 gCO2/kWh in 2023, down 1.3% on 2022.

Which country added the most solar power in 2023?

China added the most solar generation in 2023: 157 TWh more than in 2022. 76 of 108 countries generated more solar electricity in 2023 than in 2022. The top five together added 244 TWh, 73% of the world's 335 TWh rise.

Which country cut coal generation most in 2023?

The United States cut its coal generation most in 2023: 156 TWh less than in 2022. 39 of 108 countries generated less coal electricity than in 2022.

Which countries does the 2023 review cover?

213 countries have an Ember generation figure for 2023, together 100% of the world total; 213 of them also have one for 2022, and the country lists below use those. World totals are Ember's own World region, not a sum of these countries.

Source: Ember (ember-energy.org), licensed under CC BY 4.0. Data as of 2023. Annual statistics from Ember.

Cite this page
APA 7

World Power Monitor. (2023). Electricity in 2023: Year in Review, Movers and Milestones. https://worldpowermonitor.com/review/2023/

Plain text

World Power Monitor. Electricity in 2023: Year in Review, Movers and Milestones. Data as of 2023. Data from Ember. https://worldpowermonitor.com/review/2023/

BibTeX 
@misc{wpm_review_2023_2023,
  title = {{Electricity in 2023: Year in Review, Movers and Milestones}},
  author = {{World Power Monitor}},
  year = {2023},
  note = {Data as of 2023. Data from Ember.},
  url = {https://worldpowermonitor.com/review/2023/}
}

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