The latest global data on electricity generation sources for 2024 and 2025 show that natural gas has become the primary source of electricity generation in more than half of the world's countries. The data, published by Ember, provide a clear picture of countries' dependence on both fossil and non-fossil energy sources and indicate that the global energy transition is progressing at different speeds across regions.
In North America, natural gas plays the leading role. In the US, gas accounts for 40% of electricity generation, making it the country's largest power source. Canada, however, has followed a different path, generating 53% of its electricity from hydropower, placing it among the leaders in renewable energy.
South America also displays considerable diversity. Brazil generates 52% of its electricity from hydropower, making it one of the world's largest producers of clean electricity. Peru likewise obtains 56% of its power from hydropower. By contrast, Argentina is the most dependent on natural gas, with 53% of its electricity generated from the fuel. Chile has emerged as a successful example of solar energy development, with solar power supplying 25% of the country's electricity and serving as its largest source of power generation.
Europe presents a different picture. France has relied on nuclear energy for decades, and 69% of its electricity now comes from nuclear power plants. This makes France one of the most nuclear-dependent countries in the world. Norway, meanwhile, generates 90% of its electricity from hydropower, the highest share globally. Spain has also rapidly expanded its solar capacity, with solar power accounting for 22% of electricity generation, making it the country's largest source of power.
In Asia, coal remains king. China, the world's largest producer and consumer of electricity, generates 54% of its power from coal. In India, that figure reaches 71%, underscoring the heavy dependence of major Asian economies on this fossil fuel. Mongolia, with 86% of its electricity generated from coal, is among the most coal-dependent countries in the world.
In Russia, natural gas is the leading source of electricity generation, accounting for 45% of total output. Japan, following years of shifts in energy policy, now generates 33% of its electricity from natural gas. In Southeast Asia, Indonesia remains a major coal consumer, with 61% of its electricity produced from coal.
Iran is also among the countries most dependent on natural gas. According to the data, roughly 90% of Iran's electricity is generated from natural gas. While this has reduced coal consumption, it also highlights the power sector's heavy reliance on a single energy source.
Across the Middle East and North Africa, natural gas and oil continue to play prominent roles. Algeria generates 99% of its electricity from natural gas, relying almost entirely on the fuel. In several Arab and African countries, oil remains one of the primary sources of electricity generation.
Africa as a whole exhibits the greatest diversity in electricity generation sources. Countries in the Congo River Basin and East Africa rely heavily on hydropower, with some generating more than 84% of their electricity from this source. In Kenya, geothermal energy is the dominant source, accounting for 96% of electricity generation and making the country a successful model for renewable energy development.
In Oceania, Australia remains dependent on coal, which supplies 43% of its electricity. However, investment trends in solar and wind energy indicate that Australia is gradually moving toward reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.
This global map shows that although clean energy sources have achieved significant growth in many countries, natural gas and coal remain the backbone of global electricity generation. The transition to renewable energy will continue to be a gradual process, unfolding at different rates across different regions of the world.
NOURNEWS