For the first time since the 1940s, clean energy met over 40% of global electricity demand in 2024.
That’s right—solar panels, wind turbines, and hydro plants are no longer just “alternatives.” They’re powering the world.
The biggest star of the show? Solar.
According to thinktank Ember, solar has been the world’s fastest-growing energy source for two decades straight.
Phil MacDonald, Ember’s managing director, calls it “the engine of the global energy transition.”
And with battery storage now in the mix, solar is racing ahead like it’s got the sun on its side.
Growth Is The Name Of The Game
Sure, solar still accounts for only 7% of electricity today—wind’s just over 8%, and old-school hydro leads with 14%.
These renewables are expanding faster than electricity demand itself, which means fossil fuels are finally getting nudged off the stage.
Still, challenges loom. AI, electric vehicles, and datacenters are hungry—adding 0.7% to global demand last year.
But clean power is keeping up, and fast.
MacDonald puts it bluntly: “Those expecting fossil fuel generation to keep rising will be disappointed.”
Looks like the future really is looking bright—and it’s solar-powered.
