Source: ember-energy
Solar power has absolutely exploded. In just three years, solar generation has doubled to surpass 2,000 TWh, claiming the crown as the world's largest source of new electricity for three straight years. Together with wind, solar has overtaken hydro in the global clean power mix, signaling a fundamental shift toward the scalable, modular technologies that will define our energy future.
Yet, this progress has not come without challenges. Global electricity demand rose sharply in 2024 - up 4% year-on-year- driven by expanding electrification (think EVs, data centres, heat pumps) and intensified by widespread heatwaves that spiked air conditioning use. This weather-induced demand surge accounted for nearly all of the year’s 1.4% increase in fossil generation, pushing power sector emissions to an all-time high of 14.6 billion tonnes of CO₂.
For Europe’s energy professionals, these findings offer both encouragement and a cautionary note. The structural rise in clean generation is real and accelerating. But to fully capitalise on this momentum, the system must be ready to absorb it. That means faster grid modernisation, deployment of flexible assets like battery storage, and robust demand-side response strategies.
Looking ahead, Ember’s projections are optimistic. Even if global electricity demand grows at a robust 4.1% annually through 2030 - above most forecasts - current clean generation trajectories are expected to keep pace. Emerging economies such as China and India, which are powering their growth increasingly with renewables, will be pivotal to this balancing act.
Ember's projections offer genuine optimism. Even if global electricity demand maintains a robust 4.1% annual growth through 2030—higher than most forecasts—current clean generation trajectories should keep pace. The wild cards? Emerging powerhouses like China and India, who are increasingly fueling their economic growth with renewables rather than fossil fuels.
Two mega-trends are converging to reshape our industry: solar's exponential growth and the electrification of virtually everything. This isn't a gradual transition anymore—it's a structural transformation happening at unprecedented speed.