Robust Wind and Solar Growth Pushed Renewables Above 30% of the Global Electricity Mix

In 2023, renewables reached 30% of global electricity generation for the first time. Hydro remained the largest low-carbon source of electricity at 14% (4,210 TWh). With 9.1% coming from nuclear power (2,686 TWh), clean generation made up 39% of the global electricity mix. Wind produced 7.8% (2,304 TWh) and solar produced 5.5% (1,631 TWh). Together, solar and wind generated 13.4% (3,935 TWh). Bioenergy produced a reported 2.4% (697 TWh), but actual generation is likely to be higher due to its use in off-grid generation. Lastly, other renewables generated 0.3% (90 TWh). This was mostly geothermal generation, with tidal and wave energy providing only a small portion.

That said, fossil sources such as coal and gas still produced 61% of global electricity. Coal was the single largest fuel, making up 35% (10,434 TWh) of global generation. Gas produced 23% (6,634 TWh) and other fossil generation made up 2.7% (786 TWh).