In what climate experts are calling a “historic tipping point,” clean energy accounted for over 40% of global electricity generation in 2024 — a level not seen since before the rise of fossil fuels in the mid-20th century. This remarkable feat signals a new chapter in the world’s energy story, one increasingly defined by sustainability, innovation, and resilience.
The latest report from Ember, a climate and energy think tank, reveals that solar and wind power together made up 13.4% of global electricity generation, with solar alone becoming the fastest-growing source of electricity for the 19th consecutive year. This growth, they note, was not just incremental — it was exponential. Solar capacity doubled globally in just three years, fueled by falling technology costs, favorable policies, and urgent climate goals.
“We are stepping into a new age,” remarked Dave Jones, global insights director at Ember. “Renewable energy is on track to substitute fossil fuels in the electricity industry and establish a basis for reducing emissions across the economy.”
A Global Push Toward a Greener Grid
This development in clean energy was not confined to a single field. Europe, which has long been at the forefront of environmental legislation, made great strides, especially in countries like Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands, where the production of solar energy soared. For the first time, solar energy overtook coal in the European Union’s electricity generation, with solar accounting for 11% and coal for just 8%.
While China’s substantial expansion of solar power made it the country’s largest producer of solar electricity by a wide margin, the Inflation Reduction Act in the United States boosted investments in renewable energy. More than half of the global improvements in wind capacity were attributed to China.
Even countries traditionally reliant on fossil fuels are diversifying. For instance, in India, solar installations reached record levels, helping to offset some coal dependency.
Demand Still Rising — and So Are Emissions
The world is still in danger despite these advancements in sustainable energy. Economic expansion and the digital revolution, from data centres and AI computing to EV charging stations and electric heating, were major contributors to the 2.2% increase in global electricity demand in 2024.
Unfortunately, because of this increase in demand, coal and gas facilities were still required, which led to a record high in emissions from the worldwide power sector. Emissions actually rose by 1%, highlighting the need for renewable energy to develop faster than both present and future demand.
Storage, Grids, and Political Will
Experts argue that while clean generation is booming, grid upgrades and energy storage are urgently needed. Solar and wind are variable, meaning they require advanced battery systems and smarter grids to ensure reliable supply.
Moreover, political will remains critical. Policy incentives, regulatory reforms, and international collaboration will play an increasingly central role in making renewables the default source of electricity — not just an alternative.
A Roadmap for the Future
Looking ahead, Ember projects that global fossil fuel generation will decline in 2025, for the first time outside of a global crisis like the 2008 financial crash or the COVID-19 pandemic. They anticipate that the momentum from 2024 will carry forward — with clean energy capacity additions accelerating and fossil fuel demand beginning to taper.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) also supports this outlook, forecasting that renewables will meet 90% of the global electricity demand growth through 2026, putting the world on a more hopeful trajectory toward net-zero emissions.
The Bottom Line
The reality that clean energy currently generates two out of every five kilowatts consumed worldwide is not merely an achievement — it conveys a message. It indicates that moving away from fossil fuels is feasible, expandable, and already in progress. However, it also serves as a reminder that the work is still incomplete.
We are on the brink of a new age of energy. What comes next? Reinforcing our commitment — to investment, innovation, and inclusion — to guarantee that clean energy not only has the largest portion of the mix, but also serves as the leading influence on our shared future.
