Renewables' share of global electricity
Renewables generated about 32% of the world's electricity in 2024, and the IEA projects that share rising to roughly 43% by 2030. Hydropower remains the largest single source at around 14%, with wind near 8% and solar PV near 7%.
Source: IEA — Renewables 2025 — renewable electricity (2025)
What it means
Nearly a third of the world's electricity already coming from renewables, and rising sharply, means a plant's grid-supplied power is steadily decarbonising even before it changes anything. For an operator that strengthens the case for electrifying process heat and drives, because the carbon intensity of every electric kilowatt-hour is falling year on year.
Context
The IEA's Renewables 2025 analysis shows solar PV adding the most new capacity, with wind second. The 32% figure covers all renewable sources including hydro, wind, solar, bioenergy and waste. Hydropower output varies with rainfall, so the renewable share moves somewhat year to year, but the structural trend — a rising share driven mainly by solar and wind — is firmly established across analysts.
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Related topics
How to Reduce Industrial Energy Costs: Practical Quick Wins · Net Zero · Carbon Footprint
Relevant to: Power Generation · Chemicals · Cement