Fossil Fuels Account for 57% of Global Electricity Generation

A report by the Pew Research Centre, based on data from energy think tank Ember, reveals that fossil fuels generated 57% of the world’s electricity last year, down from 65% in 2000. Despite the growth of renewable energy sources, coal, natural gas, and oil still accounted for 86% of global primary energy consumption, a figure that has remained stable over the past two decades.

Wind and solar power, which together contributed 17% to global electricity generation last year, have seen significant growth from less than 5% a decade ago. The report also highlights a decline in nuclear power generation, which fell to 9% from 17% in 2000.

The Energy Institute noted that electricity demand is rising faster than new generation capacity, leading to continued reliance on fossil fuels. China has made significant advancements in wind and solar capacity while remaining the largest consumer of coal, oil, and natural gas.

The European Union generated more electricity from non-hydrocarbon sources than from fossil fuels last year, with non-hydrocarbon sources accounting for 48% of its electricity generation.