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. 馃嚚馃嚦 China | +255 TWh | 584 TWh in 2023 to 839 TWh in 2024 |
| 2. 馃嚭馃嚫 United States | +64.8 TWh | 239 TWh in 2023 to 304 TWh in 2024 |
| 3. 馃嚠馃嚦 India | +27.7 TWh | 114 TWh in 2023 to 142 TWh in 2024 |
| 4. 馃嚙馃嚪 Brazil | +20.7 TWh | 50.6 TWh in 2023 to 71.3 TWh in 2024 |
| 5. 馃嚛馃嚜 Germany | +10.3 TWh | 63.9 TWh in 2023 to 74.1 TWh in 2024 |
| 6. 馃嚜馃嚫 Spain | +9.70 TWh | 48.6 TWh in 2023 to 58.3 TWh in 2024 |
| 7. 馃嚨馃嚢 Pakistan | +8.48 TWh | 11.4 TWh in 2023 to 19.8 TWh in 2024 |
| 8. 馃嚬馃嚪 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. 馃嚭馃嚳 Uzbekistan | 6.4 times | 450 GWh in 2023 to 2.90 TWh in 2024 |
| 2. 馃嚫馃嚘 Saudi Arabia | 2.6 times | 3.13 TWh in 2023 to 8.23 TWh in 2024 |
| 3. 馃嚚馃嚧 Colombia | 2.6 times | 1.34 TWh in 2023 to 3.43 TWh in 2024 |
| 4. 馃嚠馃嚛 Indonesia | 1.9 times | 710 GWh in 2023 to 1.35 TWh in 2024 |
| 5. 馃嚨馃嚢 Pakistan | 1.7 times | 11.4 TWh in 2023 to 19.8 TWh in 2024 |
| 6. 馃嚠馃嚜 Ireland | 1.7 times | 650 GWh in 2023 to 1.09 TWh in 2024 |
| 7. 馃嚬馃嚟 Thailand | 1.7 times | 5.44 TWh in 2023 to 9.10 TWh in 2024 |
| 8. 馃嚨馃嚤 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. 馃嚚馃嚦 China | +111 TWh | 886 TWh in 2023 to 997 TWh in 2024 |
| 2. 馃嚭馃嚫 United States | +30.8 TWh | 421 TWh in 2023 to 452 TWh in 2024 |
| 3. 馃嚙馃嚪 Brazil | +12.7 TWh | 95.8 TWh in 2023 to 108 TWh in 2024 |
| 4. 馃嚚馃嚘 Canada | +6.32 TWh | 40.5 TWh in 2023 to 46.8 TWh in 2024 |
| 5. 馃嚫馃嚜 Sweden | +6.17 TWh | 34.3 TWh in 2023 to 40.4 TWh in 2024 |
| 6. 馃嚝馃嚠 Finland | +5.38 TWh | 15.0 TWh in 2023 to 20.4 TWh in 2024 |
| 7. 馃嚬馃嚰 Taiwan | +4.27 TWh | 6.24 TWh in 2023 to 10.5 TWh in 2024 |
| 8. 馃嚦馃嚤 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. 馃嚭馃嚫 United States | -23.0 TWh | 675 TWh in 2023 to 652 TWh in 2024 |
| 2. 馃嚛馃嚜 Germany | -18.5 TWh | 125 TWh in 2023 to 106 TWh in 2024 |
| 3. 馃嚢馃嚪 South Korea | -10.6 TWh | 201 TWh in 2023 to 191 TWh in 2024 |
| 4. 馃嚠馃嚬 Italy | -9.27 TWh | 13.2 TWh in 2023 to 3.95 TWh in 2024 |
| 5. 馃嚪馃嚭 Russia | -8.13 TWh | 215 TWh in 2023 to 207 TWh in 2024 |
| 6. 馃嚬馃嚰 Taiwan | -6.01 TWh | 122 TWh in 2023 to 116 TWh in 2024 |
| 7. 馃嚨馃嚤 Poland | -5.35 TWh | 98.9 TWh in 2023 to 93.5 TWh in 2024 |
| 8. 馃嚚馃嚳 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. 馃嚭馃嚲 Uruguay | -39.1% | 113 gCO2/kWh in 2023 to 69 gCO2/kWh in 2024 |
| 2. 馃嚨馃嚬 Portugal | -30.2% | 158 gCO2/kWh in 2023 to 111 gCO2/kWh in 2024 |
| 3. 馃嚝馃嚪 France | -24.1% | 53 gCO2/kWh in 2023 to 40 gCO2/kWh in 2024 |
| 4. 馃嚝馃嚠 Finland | -17.9% | 81 gCO2/kWh in 2023 to 67 gCO2/kWh in 2024 |
| 5. 馃嚙馃嚞 Bulgaria | -17.5% | 338 gCO2/kWh in 2023 to 279 gCO2/kWh in 2024 |
| 6. 馃嚨馃嚘 Panama | -17.1% | 266 gCO2/kWh in 2023 to 220 gCO2/kWh in 2024 |
| 7. 馃嚫馃嚢 Slovakia | -15.8% | 115 gCO2/kWh in 2023 to 97 gCO2/kWh in 2024 |
| 8. 馃嚚馃嚤 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. 馃嚨馃嚬 Portugal | +10.7 pts | 74.5% in 2023 to 85.2% in 2024 |
| 2. 馃嚨馃嚘 Panama | +7.3 pts | 60.6% in 2023 to 68.0% in 2024 |
| 3. 馃嚚馃嚤 Chile | +6.9 pts | 63.1% in 2023 to 70.0% in 2024 |
| 4. 馃嚭馃嚲 Uruguay | +6.4 pts | 92.4% in 2023 to 98.9% in 2024 |
| 5. 馃嚭馃嚳 Uzbekistan | +6.1 pts | 9.9% in 2023 to 16.0% in 2024 |
| 6. 馃嚙馃嚲 Belarus | +6.0 pts | 31.3% in 2023 to 37.3% in 2024 |
| 7. 馃嚨馃嚜 Peru | +5.7 pts | 54.4% in 2023 to 60.1% in 2024 |
| 8. 馃嚙馃嚞 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. 馃嚢馃嚟 Cambodia | -6.5 pts | 42.1% in 2023 to 35.7% in 2024 |
| 2. 馃嚚馃嚧 Colombia | -4.8 pts | 66.1% in 2023 to 61.4% in 2024 |
| 3. 馃嚦馃嚳 New Zealand | -3.7 pts | 89.6% in 2023 to 86.0% in 2024 |
| 4. 馃嚪馃嚫 Serbia | -2.9 pts | 35.0% in 2023 to 32.1% in 2024 |
| 5. 馃嚙馃嚘 Bosnia and Herzegovina | -2.9 pts | 43.1% in 2023 to 40.2% in 2024 |
| 6. 馃嚞馃嚟 Ghana | -2.3 pts | 38.5% in 2023 to 36.2% in 2024 |
| 7. 馃嚪馃嚧 Romania | -2.3 pts | 69.5% in 2023 to 67.2% in 2024 |
| 8. 馃嚙馃嚪 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.
- 馃嚜馃嚫 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.
- 馃嚜馃嚫 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.
- 馃嚜馃嚫 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.
- 馃嚘馃嚭 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.
- 馃嚝馃嚪 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.
- 馃嚬馃嚰 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.
- 馃嚟馃嚭 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.
- 馃嚘馃嚬 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.
- 馃嚨馃嚬 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.
- 馃嚠馃嚜 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.
- 馃嚠馃嚬 Italy got more than half of its electricity from low carbon sources in 2024: 50.2%, up from 44.5% in 2023.
- 馃嚤馃嚢 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.