Keeping the lights on: How a mix of electricity sources will help us reach net-zero

The electricity, or power generation mix, refers to the combination of fuels used to generate electricity in a geographic region. Globally, the mix is currently dominated by fossil fuels, although the increasing use of renewable energies and natural gas is changing the situation for the better.

As of 2019, 37% of global electricity production comes from low-carbon sources, i.e. hydrogen, hydro, solar and wind. The remaining two-thirds come from fossil fuels.

Hydro is the most widely used renewable energy in the mix, accounting for 16% of power generation, followed by wind (4.8%) and solar (2.2%).

In Europe, nuclear energy is the dominant source, accounting for more than 70% of power generation. Wind and solar power combined account for just over 13%, which although small in comparison, is still considerably higher than the rest of the world.

In the United States, shale gas is the most widely-used energy source, with a share of around 25% in the country’s overall electricity mix. Shale gas is produced on a large scale in the country, which alongside coal exports, keeps prices low on the global market.

However, renewable energy is the fastest-growing energy source in the U.S. and increased 100% from 2000 to 2018. Renewables make up 17% of U.S. electricity generation, with the bulk coming from hydro (7%) and wind (6.6%).

In China, coal still accounts for 57.7% of the country’s energy use, although large-scale nuclear power plants and onshore wind farms are being developed to create a more sustainable future.

Source: Our World in Data based on BP Statistical Review of World Energy (2020)