Report: Fossil fuels still generate 57% of global electricity

Fossil fuels continue to dominate global electricity generation, supplying 57% of the world's power last year despite significant growth in renewables, a report by the Pew Research Centre revealed. While the share of coal, natural gas, and oil in global electricity generation has fallen from 65% in 2000, they still accounted for 86% of primary energy consumption, a figure largely unchanged over two decades.

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Fossil fuels still generated 57 per cent of the world’s electricity last year despite the rapid growth of renewable energy

Renewable sources, particularly wind and solar, have expanded rapidly, now making up 17% of global electricity generation, more than double the share from a decade ago. When combined with hydropower and other renewables, these sources generated more electricity than hydrocarbons. However, nuclear power's share has declined to 9% from 17% in 2000.

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wind and solar together accounted for 17 per cent of global electricity generation last year, compared with less than five per cent a decade ago.

The report highlights a critical challenge: global electricity demand is increasing faster than new generation capacity can be added. This dynamic means that fossil fuels, valued for their ability to be supplied and dispatched on demand, remain essential. Consequently, the absolute use of hydrocarbons continues to grow, even as their percentage of the total electricity mix shrinks.

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coal, gas and oil still accounted for 86 per cent of global primary energy consumption, a share that has remained largely unchanged over the past two decades.

China exemplifies this complex energy landscape, leading in wind and solar capacity expansion while simultaneously remaining a top consumer of coal, oil, and natural gas. In contrast, the European Union generated more electricity from non-hydrocarbon sources than from fossil fuels last year, with non-hydrocarbon sources making up 48% of its electricity generation. Nigeria relies heavily on gas-fired plants, which provide about 70% of its electricity.

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electricity demand is growing faster than supply, resulting in continued growth in the absolute use of hydrocarbons even as their share of global electricity generation declines.