Global electricity generation in 2024 was about 30,000 TWh from six main sources. Coal is still the largest at ~35 percent; renewables collectively passed 30 percent and are rising fast. This guide breaks down the mix by source, by region, and by year over year change, using data from IEA, Ember Climate, and BP Statistical Review.
The "global electricity mix" question is one of the most consequential to understand for anyone thinking about climate, energy security, or where infrastructure investment goes. The composition is shifting fast, with clear winners (solar), steady contributors (hydro), and clear losers (coal). This guide walks through the 2026 snapshot and the direction of travel.
2024 global electricity mix
| Source | Generation (TWh) | Share | YoY change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coal | ~10,600 | ~35% | Roughly flat |
| Natural gas | ~6,600 | ~22% | +2% |
| Hydropower | ~4,300 | ~14% | Modest |
| Nuclear | ~2,700 | ~9% | +3% |
| Wind | ~2,300 | ~8% | +9% |
| Solar | ~2,000 | ~7% | +25% |
| Other (bio, geo, oil) | ~1,500 | ~5% | Slight decline |
Clean vs fossil
Adding renewables (30 percent) and nuclear (9 percent) gives clean electricity at roughly 40 percent of global generation. Fossil sources (coal, gas, oil) provide the remaining 60 percent. This ratio has been shifting toward clean at roughly 1 percentage point per year, faster in developed markets and slower in Asia. Data from Ember Climate tracks the shift with high frequency.
Regional mixes
| Region | Coal | Gas | Renewables | Nuclear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | ~58% | ~3% | ~32% | ~5% |
| United States | ~16% | ~40% | ~22% | ~19% |
| European Union | ~15% | ~15% | ~45% | ~22% |
| India | ~72% | ~2% | ~22% | ~3% |
| Japan | ~30% | ~34% | ~23% | ~8% |
| Sub Saharan Africa | ~30% | ~15% | ~40% (mostly hydro) | Minimal |
| Middle East | ~5% | ~65% | ~5% | ~2% |
| Latin America | ~5% | ~15% | ~65% (mostly hydro) | ~2% |
Year over year growth rates
Growth rates by source over the past decade tell the trajectory story clearly.
| Source | Growth 2013 to 2023 (per year) |
|---|---|
| Solar | +27% |
| Wind | +13% |
| Nuclear | +1% |
| Natural gas | +2% |
| Coal | +1% |
| Hydro | +1% |
| Oil | Slight decline |
Capacity additions in 2024
Capacity additions (not generation) tell the pipeline story. In 2024, roughly 90 percent of new electricity capacity added globally was renewable, dominated by solar PV. Coal additions were concentrated in China and a few emerging markets; new gas additions concentrated in the US and Middle East.
Have we passed peak coal generation?
Not quite. Global coal generation is roughly flat and has been for several years. IEA scenarios project coal generation peaking around 2025 to 2027, then declining. Chinese and Indian coal use will determine whether that peak actually arrives on schedule.
Electricity sector emissions
Global electricity sector emissions are approaching peak. Under most IEA scenarios, they peak in the mid 2020s and decline through 2050. The decline pace determines whether limiting warming to 1.5 or 2 degrees remains feasible.
Who is decarbonising fastest
UK, Germany, Portugal, and Denmark have all reduced electricity sector emissions by 50 percent or more from 2010 baselines. US emissions have fallen but more slowly. China emissions are still rising in absolute terms but the intensity is falling as renewables displace coal at the margin. India, Southeast Asia, and Middle East grids remain emissions intensive.
Storage and hydrogen in the mix
Battery storage has passed 100 GW globally, up from under 10 GW in 2020. Green hydrogen production for electricity is still marginal but growing. Both matter more for reliability than direct electricity mix share. The IEA Renewables 2024 report tracks the pipeline.
Emissions pathway context
The IPCC AR6 pathways for 1.5 degree consistent futures require electricity sector emissions to fall roughly 60 percent by 2030 from 2020 levels. Current trajectories fall short of this pace. Whether electricity leads or lags overall decarbonisation depends on how fast solar and wind buildouts continue.
Trajectory to 2050
| Source | 2024 share | 2050 net zero share |
|---|---|---|
| Coal | ~35% | Under 1% |
| Natural gas | ~22% | Under 5% (with CCS) |
| Nuclear | ~9% | ~10% |
| Solar | ~7% | ~35% |
| Wind | ~8% | ~35% |
| Hydro | ~14% | ~10% |
| Other renewables | ~5% | ~5% |
Frequently asked questions
Is coal really still the largest source?
Yes. Coal generates about 35 percent of global electricity, mostly in Asia. Coal share is flat or slowly declining but absolute generation is nearly unchanged.
Which source is growing fastest?
Solar, by a wide margin. Roughly 25 percent annual growth in the past decade.
Are we on track for the Paris goals?
Electricity sector alone: probably. Total emissions including transport, industry, and buildings: not yet.
Where is coal still growing?
India, Southeast Asia, some parts of China (though total China coal is nearing plateau).
Is nuclear coming back?
Modestly. Reactor life extensions and small modular reactor pilots are stabilising or slightly growing the fleet.
What about natural gas?
Roughly flat globally. Growing in US and Middle East; declining in Europe.
Is 100 percent renewable feasible?
For electricity alone, yes with adequate storage and transmission. For total energy including heat and transport, requires substantial electrification.
Where is data from?
IEA World Energy Balances, Ember Global Electricity Review, BP Statistical Review, and national utility regulators.
Does hydro grow much?
Modestly. Most large hydro potential in developed markets is built; growth is in Asia and Africa.
What is the biggest uncertainty?
Rate of coal decline in China and India, plus rate of storage deployment.
Summary
The 2026 global electricity mix is a system in the middle of a fast transformation. Coal remains dominant at 35 percent but is nearing peak; solar and wind together are approaching 15 percent and growing rapidly; hydro remains steady; nuclear is stabilising. The transition is not fast enough for 1.5 degree targets but is fast enough to reshape utility investment planning globally. The next 5 years determine whether the trajectory accelerates to net zero pace or plateaus.
Next reading
- Renewable energy complete guide
- Countries running on 90 percent renewable
- Renewable energy types ranked
- Browse the UtilityRadar directory
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