Electricity in 2024: World Generation Up 4.2% to 30,877 TWh, Low Carbon Share 40.8%
The world generated 30,877 TWh of electricity in 2024, up 4.2% on 2023. Low carbon sources (nuclear and renewables) supplied 40.8% of world electricity in 2024, up 1.5 points on 2023. Solar and wind together produced 15.1% of world electricity in 2024, up 1.6 points on 2023. Power sector emissions were 14,571 MtCO2 in 2024, up 1.6% on 2023. The carbon intensity of world electricity was 472 gCO2/kWh in 2024, down 2.5% on 2023. China added the most solar generation in 2024, 255 TWh more than in 2023. The United States cut its coal generation most in 2024, by 23.0 TWh. Data as of 2024, Ember annual statistics.
197 countries have an Ember generation figure for 2024, together 100% of the world total; 197 of them also have one for 2023, and the country lists below use those. World totals are Ember's own World region, not a sum of these countries.
The World in 2024
Against 2023Key Facts, 2024
- The world generated 30,877 TWh of electricity in 2024, up 4.2% on 2023.
- World electricity demand per person was 3.79 MWh/person in 2024, up 3.6% on 2023.
- Low carbon sources (nuclear and renewables) supplied 40.8% of world electricity in 2024, up 1.5 points on 2023.
- Solar and wind together produced 15.1% of world electricity in 2024, up 1.6 points on 2023.
- Power sector emissions were 14,571 MtCO2 in 2024, up 1.6% on 2023.
- The carbon intensity of world electricity was 472 gCO2/kWh in 2024, down 2.5% on 2023.
- China generated 255 TWh more solar electricity in 2024 than in 2023, from 584 TWh to 839 TWh.
- Uzbekistan generated 6.4 times as much solar electricity in 2024 as in 2023: 2.90 TWh against 450 GWh.
- China generated 111 TWh more wind electricity in 2024 than in 2023, from 886 TWh to 997 TWh.
- The United States generated 23.0 TWh less coal electricity in 2024 than in 2023, down 3.4% from 675 TWh to 652 TWh.
- Uruguay's carbon intensity fell 39.1% in 2024, from 113 gCO2/kWh in 2023 to 69 gCO2/kWh.
- Portugal's low carbon share rose 10.7 points in 2024, from 74.5% in 2023 to 85.2%.
- Cambodia's low carbon share fell 6.5 points in 2024, from 42.1% in 2023 to 35.7%.
- Wind and solar together passed hydro in electricity generation worldwide in 2024, for the first time in the data: 4,658 TWh against 4,444 TWh. In 2023, wind and solar together were 3,987 TWh against 4,247 TWh for hydro.
World Generation Mix, 2024 and 2023
Share of generation2024
By group
By fuel
2023
By group
By fuel
World generation by source, 2024 against 2023. Coal 34.2% against 35.2%; Gas 22.1% against 22.5%; Hydro 14.4% against 14.3%; Nuclear 9.0% against 9.1%.
| Source | Share, 2024 | Share, 2023 | Change | Generation, 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coal | 34.2% | 35.2% | -1.0 pts | 10,546 TWh |
| Gas | 22.1% | 22.5% | -0.4 pts | 6,826 TWh |
| Hydro | 14.4% | 14.3% | +0.1 pts | 4,444 TWh |
| Nuclear | 9.0% | 9.1% | -0.1 pts | 2,777 TWh |
| Wind | 8.1% | 7.8% | +0.3 pts | 2,503 TWh |
| Solar | 7.0% | 5.6% | +1.3 pts | 2,155 TWh |
| Other fossil | 2.9% | 3.1% | -0.1 pts | 906 TWh |
| Bioenergy | 2.0% | 2.1% | 0.0 pts | 631 TWh |
| Other renewables | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.0 pts | 88.4 TWh |
Biggest Movers Among Countries, 2024
Against 2023Biggest Solar Growth, in TWh
China added the most solar generation in 2024: 255 TWh more than in 2023. 93 of 108 countries generated more solar electricity in 2024 than in 2023. The top five together added 378 TWh, 78% of the world's 485 TWh rise.
| Country | More solar than in 2023 | Generation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. 🇨🇳 China | +255 TWh | 584 TWh in 2023 to 839 TWh in 2024 |
| 2. 🇺🇸 United States | +64.8 TWh | 239 TWh in 2023 to 304 TWh in 2024 |
| 3. 🇮🇳 India | +27.7 TWh | 114 TWh in 2023 to 142 TWh in 2024 |
| 4. 🇧🇷 Brazil | +20.7 TWh | 50.6 TWh in 2023 to 71.3 TWh in 2024 |
| 5. 🇩🇪 Germany | +10.3 TWh | 63.9 TWh in 2023 to 74.1 TWh in 2024 |
| 6. 🇪🇸 Spain | +9.70 TWh | 48.6 TWh in 2023 to 58.3 TWh in 2024 |
| 7. 🇵🇰 Pakistan | +8.48 TWh | 11.4 TWh in 2023 to 19.8 TWh in 2024 |
| 8. 🇹🇷 Turkey | +7.27 TWh | 18.4 TWh in 2023 to 25.7 TWh in 2024 |
Countries that generated at least 10 TWh in 2024 and have a figure for both 2023 and 2024, 108 in this data.
Fastest Solar Growth, as a Multiple
Uzbekistan grew its solar generation fastest in 2024, to 6.4 times what it was in 2023 (450 GWh in 2023 to 2.90 TWh in 2024).
| Country | Solar as a multiple of 2023 | Generation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan | 6.4 times | 450 GWh in 2023 to 2.90 TWh in 2024 |
| 2. 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia | 2.6 times | 3.13 TWh in 2023 to 8.23 TWh in 2024 |
| 3. 🇨🇴 Colombia | 2.6 times | 1.34 TWh in 2023 to 3.43 TWh in 2024 |
| 4. 🇮🇩 Indonesia | 1.9 times | 710 GWh in 2023 to 1.35 TWh in 2024 |
| 5. 🇵🇰 Pakistan | 1.7 times | 11.4 TWh in 2023 to 19.8 TWh in 2024 |
| 6. 🇮🇪 Ireland | 1.7 times | 650 GWh in 2023 to 1.09 TWh in 2024 |
| 7. 🇹🇭 Thailand | 1.7 times | 5.44 TWh in 2023 to 9.10 TWh in 2024 |
| 8. 🇵🇱 Poland | 1.6 times | 11.1 TWh in 2023 to 17.7 TWh in 2024 |
Countries that generated at least 10 TWh in 2024 and have a figure for both 2023 and 2024, 108 in this data. Needs at least 0.3 TWh of solar in 2023 and 1 TWh in 2024, so growth from almost nothing is not counted.
Biggest Wind Growth, in TWh
China added the most wind generation in 2024: 111 TWh more than in 2023. 51 of 108 countries generated more wind electricity in 2024 than in 2023. The top five together added 167 TWh, 90% of the world's 186 TWh rise.
| Country | More wind than in 2023 | Generation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. 🇨🇳 China | +111 TWh | 886 TWh in 2023 to 997 TWh in 2024 |
| 2. 🇺🇸 United States | +30.8 TWh | 421 TWh in 2023 to 452 TWh in 2024 |
| 3. 🇧🇷 Brazil | +12.7 TWh | 95.8 TWh in 2023 to 108 TWh in 2024 |
| 4. 🇨🇦 Canada | +6.32 TWh | 40.5 TWh in 2023 to 46.8 TWh in 2024 |
| 5. 🇸🇪 Sweden | +6.17 TWh | 34.3 TWh in 2023 to 40.4 TWh in 2024 |
| 6. 🇫🇮 Finland | +5.38 TWh | 15.0 TWh in 2023 to 20.4 TWh in 2024 |
| 7. 🇹🇼 Taiwan | +4.27 TWh | 6.24 TWh in 2023 to 10.5 TWh in 2024 |
| 8. 🇳🇱 Netherlands | +3.97 TWh | 29.5 TWh in 2023 to 33.5 TWh in 2024 |
Countries that generated at least 10 TWh in 2024 and have a figure for both 2023 and 2024, 108 in this data.
Largest Falls in Coal Generation
The United States cut its coal generation most in 2024: 23.0 TWh less than in 2023. 33 of 108 countries generated less coal electricity than in 2023.
| Country | Less coal than in 2023 | Generation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. 🇺🇸 United States | -23.0 TWh | 675 TWh in 2023 to 652 TWh in 2024 |
| 2. 🇩🇪 Germany | -18.5 TWh | 125 TWh in 2023 to 106 TWh in 2024 |
| 3. 🇰🇷 South Korea | -10.6 TWh | 201 TWh in 2023 to 191 TWh in 2024 |
| 4. 🇮🇹 Italy | -9.27 TWh | 13.2 TWh in 2023 to 3.95 TWh in 2024 |
| 5. 🇷🇺 Russia | -8.13 TWh | 215 TWh in 2023 to 207 TWh in 2024 |
| 6. 🇹🇼 Taiwan | -6.01 TWh | 122 TWh in 2023 to 116 TWh in 2024 |
| 7. 🇵🇱 Poland | -5.35 TWh | 98.9 TWh in 2023 to 93.5 TWh in 2024 |
| 8. 🇨🇿 Czechia | -3.42 TWh | 29.9 TWh in 2023 to 26.5 TWh in 2024 |
Countries that generated at least 10 TWh in 2024 and have a figure for both 2023 and 2024, 108 in this data. Needs at least 1 TWh of coal in 2023.
Biggest Cuts in Carbon Intensity
Uruguay cleaned up its grid most in 2024: carbon intensity down 39.1% on 2023 (113 gCO2/kWh in 2023 to 69 gCO2/kWh in 2024). 76 of 108 countries had a lower carbon intensity than in 2023.
| Country | Change on 2023 | Carbon intensity |
|---|---|---|
| 1. 🇺🇾 Uruguay | -39.1% | 113 gCO2/kWh in 2023 to 69 gCO2/kWh in 2024 |
| 2. 🇵🇹 Portugal | -30.2% | 158 gCO2/kWh in 2023 to 111 gCO2/kWh in 2024 |
| 3. 🇫🇷 France | -24.1% | 53 gCO2/kWh in 2023 to 40 gCO2/kWh in 2024 |
| 4. 🇫🇮 Finland | -17.9% | 81 gCO2/kWh in 2023 to 67 gCO2/kWh in 2024 |
| 5. 🇧🇬 Bulgaria | -17.5% | 338 gCO2/kWh in 2023 to 279 gCO2/kWh in 2024 |
| 6. 🇵🇦 Panama | -17.1% | 266 gCO2/kWh in 2023 to 220 gCO2/kWh in 2024 |
| 7. 🇸🇰 Slovakia | -15.8% | 115 gCO2/kWh in 2023 to 97 gCO2/kWh in 2024 |
| 8. 🇨🇱 Chile | -14.4% | 305 gCO2/kWh in 2023 to 261 gCO2/kWh in 2024 |
Countries that generated at least 10 TWh in 2024 and have a figure for both 2023 and 2024, 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
Portugal had the biggest rise in low carbon share in 2024: 10.7 points (74.5% in 2023 to 85.2% in 2024). 74 of 108 countries saw their low carbon share rise.
| Country | Change on 2023 | Low carbon share |
|---|---|---|
| 1. 🇵🇹 Portugal | +10.7 pts | 74.5% in 2023 to 85.2% in 2024 |
| 2. 🇵🇦 Panama | +7.3 pts | 60.6% in 2023 to 68.0% in 2024 |
| 3. 🇨🇱 Chile | +6.9 pts | 63.1% in 2023 to 70.0% in 2024 |
| 4. 🇺🇾 Uruguay | +6.4 pts | 92.4% in 2023 to 98.9% in 2024 |
| 5. 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan | +6.1 pts | 9.9% in 2023 to 16.0% in 2024 |
| 6. 🇧🇾 Belarus | +6.0 pts | 31.3% in 2023 to 37.3% in 2024 |
| 7. 🇵🇪 Peru | +5.7 pts | 54.4% in 2023 to 60.1% in 2024 |
| 8. 🇧🇬 Bulgaria | +5.7 pts | 65.4% in 2023 to 71.1% in 2024 |
Countries that generated at least 10 TWh in 2024 and have a figure for both 2023 and 2024, 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 2024: 6.5 points (42.1% in 2023 to 35.7% in 2024). 27 of 108 countries saw their low carbon share fall.
| Country | Change on 2023 | Low carbon share |
|---|---|---|
| 1. 🇰🇭 Cambodia | -6.5 pts | 42.1% in 2023 to 35.7% in 2024 |
| 2. 🇨🇴 Colombia | -4.8 pts | 66.1% in 2023 to 61.4% in 2024 |
| 3. 🇳🇿 New Zealand | -3.7 pts | 89.6% in 2023 to 86.0% in 2024 |
| 4. 🇷🇸 Serbia | -2.9 pts | 35.0% in 2023 to 32.1% in 2024 |
| 5. 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina | -2.9 pts | 43.1% in 2023 to 40.2% in 2024 |
| 6. 🇬🇭 Ghana | -2.3 pts | 38.5% in 2023 to 36.2% in 2024 |
| 7. 🇷🇴 Romania | -2.3 pts | 69.5% in 2023 to 67.2% in 2024 |
| 8. 🇧🇷 Brazil | -1.6 pts | 91.1% in 2023 to 89.5% in 2024 |
Countries that generated at least 10 TWh in 2024 and have a figure for both 2023 and 2024, 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 2024
World and country- Wind and solar together passed hydro in electricity generation worldwide in 2024, for the first time in the data: 4,658 TWh against 4,444 TWh. In 2023, wind and solar together were 3,987 TWh against 4,247 TWh for hydro.
- World power sector CO2 was the highest in the data in 2024: 14,571 MtCO2, up 1.6% on 2023. The data starts in 2000.
- World carbon intensity was the lowest in the data in 2024: 472 gCO2/kWh, down 2.5% on 2023. The data starts in 2000.
- The world low carbon share was the highest in the data in 2024: 40.8%, up 1.5 points on 2023. The data starts in 2000.
- World coal generation was the highest in the data in 2024: 10,546 TWh, up 1.2% on 2023. The data starts in 2000.
- World gas generation was the highest in the data in 2024: 6,826 TWh, up 2.5% on 2023. The data starts in 2000.
- 🇪🇸 Spain generated more wind than gas electricity in 2024: 62.2 TWh against 52.3 TWh. In 2023, wind was 64.3 TWh against 64.4 TWh for gas.
- 🇪🇸 Spain generated more solar than gas electricity in 2024 for the first time in the data (which starts in 1990): 58.3 TWh against 52.3 TWh. In 2023, solar was 48.6 TWh against 64.4 TWh for gas.
- 🇪🇸 Spain generated more solar than nuclear electricity in 2024 for the first time in the data (which starts in 1990): 58.3 TWh against 54.5 TWh. In 2023, solar was 48.6 TWh against 56.9 TWh for nuclear.
- 🇦🇺 Australia generated more solar than gas electricity in 2024 for the first time in the data (which starts in 1985): 50.2 TWh against 49.1 TWh. In 2023, solar was 45.0 TWh against 46.7 TWh for gas.
- 🇫🇷 France generated more solar than gas electricity in 2024 for the first time in the data (which starts in 1990): 25.1 TWh against 18.1 TWh. In 2023, solar was 22.6 TWh against 30.0 TWh for gas.
- 🇹🇼 Taiwan generated more solar than nuclear electricity in 2024 for the first time in the data (which starts in 1985): 15.2 TWh against 12.2 TWh. In 2023, solar was 13.3 TWh against 17.8 TWh for nuclear.
- 🇭🇺 Hungary generated more solar than gas electricity in 2024 for the first time in the data (which starts in 1990): 9.20 TWh against 7.13 TWh. In 2023, solar was 6.93 TWh against 7.28 TWh for gas.
- 🇦🇹 Austria generated more solar than gas electricity in 2024 for the first time in the data (which starts in 1990): 8.14 TWh against 7.54 TWh. In 2023, solar was 6.89 TWh against 7.50 TWh for gas.
- 🇵🇹 Portugal generated more solar than gas electricity in 2024 for the first time in the data (which starts in 1990): 7.09 TWh against 5.63 TWh. In 2023, solar was 5.16 TWh against 10.4 TWh for gas.
- 🇮🇪 Ireland generated more solar than coal electricity in 2024 for the first time in the data (which starts in 1990): 1.09 TWh against 630 GWh. In 2023, solar was 650 GWh against 1.21 TWh for coal.
- 🇮🇹 Italy got more than half of its electricity from low carbon sources in 2024: 50.2%, up from 44.5% in 2023.
- 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka got more than half of its electricity from low carbon sources in 2024: 54.1%, up from 48.6% in 2023.
Each milestone is read from the annual series: a source counts as passing another when it was at or below it in 2023 and above it in 2024, 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 2024.
By Continent, 2024
Countries with data for both years| Continent | Countries | Generation | Change | Low carbon share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asia | 50 | 17,966 TWh | +5.6% | 31.9% |
| North America | 28 | 5,533 TWh | +2.5% | 44.7% |
| Europe | 41 | 4,647 TWh | +2.0% | 62.3% |
| South America | 13 | 1,322 TWh | +3.1% | 78.7% |
| Africa | 51 | 961 TWh | +3.7% | 25.7% |
| Oceania | 14 | 338 TWh | +3.0% | 41.4% |
Each row sums only the countries that have a generation figure for both 2023 and 2024, so the change compares the same countries. Continents follow the grouping on the country pages.
Questions About Electricity in 2024
How much electricity did the world generate in 2024?
The world generated 30,877 TWh of electricity in 2024, up 4.2% on 2023. Figures are Ember annual statistics (World region).
What share of world electricity was low carbon in 2024?
Low carbon sources (nuclear and renewables) supplied 40.8% of world electricity in 2024, up 1.5 points on 2023. Low carbon here means nuclear plus all renewables.
Did power sector emissions rise or fall in 2024?
Power sector emissions were 14,571 MtCO2 in 2024, up 1.6% on 2023. The carbon intensity of world electricity was 472 gCO2/kWh in 2024, down 2.5% on 2023.
Which country added the most solar power in 2024?
China added the most solar generation in 2024: 255 TWh more than in 2023. 93 of 108 countries generated more solar electricity in 2024 than in 2023. The top five together added 378 TWh, 78% of the world's 485 TWh rise.
Which country cut coal generation most in 2024?
The United States cut its coal generation most in 2024: 23.0 TWh less than in 2023. 33 of 108 countries generated less coal electricity than in 2023.
Which countries does the 2024 review cover?
197 countries have an Ember generation figure for 2024, together 100% of the world total; 197 of them also have one for 2023, 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 2024. Annual statistics from Ember.
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Cite this page
World Power Monitor. (2024). Electricity in 2024: Year in Review, Movers and Milestones. https://worldpowermonitor.com/review/2024/
World Power Monitor. Electricity in 2024: Year in Review, Movers and Milestones. Data as of 2024. Data from Ember. https://worldpowermonitor.com/review/2024/
@misc{wpm_review_2024_2024,
title = {{Electricity in 2024: Year in Review, Movers and Milestones}},
author = {{World Power Monitor}},
year = {2024},
note = {Data as of 2024. Data from Ember.},
url = {https://worldpowermonitor.com/review/2024/}
} Permalink: https://worldpowermonitor.com/review/2024/
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