Germany More and more electricity from solar systems worldwide
According to an analysis by the think tank Ember, electricity generation from sunlight is continuing to increase worldwide.
08.04.2025, 01:29
SDA
Solar's share of global electricity generation rose from 5.6 percent in 2023 to 6.9 percent last year, according to the London-based research institute.
"Solar was the fastest growing energy source for the 20th year in a row," it said. Solar power generation has doubled in just three years - in 2024 it amounted to more than 2,100 terawatt hours worldwide.
The increase in 2024 was particularly large in China, which accounted for more than half of global solar growth at 250 terawatt hours.
"Solar energy has become the engine of the global energy transition," explained Ember Managing Director Phil MacDonald. "Coupled with battery storage, solar is becoming an unstoppable force. As the fastest growing and largest source of new electricity, it is critical to meeting the ever-increasing demand for electricity."
Hydropower generated 14.3 percent of electricity worldwide in 2024
Wind power also increased according to the analysis. Its share of global electricity generation rose to 8.1 percent, it said. Hydropower remains the largest single renewable source with a share of 14.3 percent. Other renewable energy sources contributed 2.6 percent.
According to the analysis, coal continued to account for the largest share of electricity generation - at 34.4 percent in 2024. Natural gas accounted for 22 percent. Other fossil fuels accounted for 2.8 percent. Nuclear power contributed 9 percent.
Ember presented its annual "Global Electricity Review" analysis for the sixth time. Among other things, it analyzed data from 88 countries which, according to Ember, cover around 93 percent of global electricity demand.
