In 2024, the global electricity generation structure once again demonstrated a strong dependence on fossil fuels—coal, natural gas, and oil—which accounted for nearly 60% of total output. Nevertheless, there has been a steady increase in the share of renewable energy sources (32.1%) and a moderate strengthening of nuclear energy’s role (9.1%). This imbalance reflects the complex dynamics of the global energy transition: decarbonization is underway, but remains highly uneven across regions.

 

The 2024 Global Energy Mix:

• Coal — 34.5%
• Natural gas — 23.5%
• Renewable energy sources (RES) — 32.1%
• Nuclear energy — 9.1%
• Oil — 0.7%

 

Regional Specificities:

India maintains the world’s highest coal share at 73.4%, driven by rapidly growing electricity demand. Renewables and nuclear account for only 20.5% and 2.6%, respectively.

China remains heavily reliant on coal (58.4%) but continues to expand both RES and nuclear capacity.

The United States relies primarily on natural gas (42.6%) as a transitional fuel, supplemented by RES (23.3%) and nuclear power (18%).

The European Union leads global decarbonization efforts: RES account for nearly 49% of electricity generation, with an additional 23.6% from nuclear, and only 10.7% from coal.

 

Key Trends:

Renewable energy is experiencing robust growth, especially within the EU. However, its expansion is constrained by generation variability and limited energy storage infrastructure.

Nuclear energy remains a stable source of low-carbon electricity, particularly attractive to countries with ambitious climate targets.

Natural gas serves as a transitional compromise, particularly in the U.S., though its long-term environmental viability is increasingly questioned.

 

Strategic Conclusions:

• Accelerating the energy transition requires systemic investment in RES and grid modernization.
• Nuclear energy is a key instrument for reliable decarbonization.
• Natural gas may serve as a bridging resource but cannot substitute for zero-emission solutions.
• The development of hydrogen energy and its integration with RES offers a promising model for sustainable power generation.

 

The global power sector in 2024 stands at a crossroads between traditional carbon-intensive paradigms and an emerging green trajectory. While coal and gas continue to dominate, the growing potential of renewables and nuclear power provides grounds for cautious optimism. The central challenge ahead is to ensure a just and technologically resilient energy transition on a global scale.

 

* The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.