Clean energy sources to account for nearly half of electricity generation by 2026

Renewables will surpass coal by early 2025 in electricity generation.

From a share of below 40% in 2023, low-emissions electricity sources will comprise nearly half of the total electricity generation by 2026, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

IEA said renewables will overtake coal as the top generation source by early 2025 as it will make up over a third of the electricity generation. 

In the same period, nuclear generation is also expected to reach an all-time high on the back of the developments in France, Japan, China, India, Korea and Europe.

“The power sector currently produces more CO2 emissions than any other in the world economy, so it’s encouraging that the rapid growth of renewables and a steady expansion of nuclear power are together on course to match all the increase in global electricity demand over the next three years,” said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol. 

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“This is largely thanks to the huge momentum behind renewables, with ever cheaper solar leading the way, and support from the important comeback of nuclear power, whose generation is set to reach a historic high by 2025. While more progress is needed, and fast, these are very promising trends,” he added.

The power demand is expected to grow at an average of 3.4% from 2024 to 2026, with renewables projected to meet the additional demand.