Global installed electricity capacity 2021, by source

In 2021, electricity generation from renewables worldwide had a combined power capacity of over three terawatts. However, this was still significantly lower than the capacity of all fossil-based energy sources, which stood at 4.4 terawatts. Coal is still the greatest source for electricity generation worldwide, followed by natural gas.

Renewables set to surpass fossil fuels

Despite the continued dominance of fossil fuels, the installed capacity of renewables worldwide has more than doubled in the past decade. The cost of renewables' deployment has fallen over time, making them increasingly more cost effective and common around the world. Combined with the growing pressure to transition towards low-emission sources, renewable technologies are gradually replacing conventional fossil fuels. Global renewable electricity generation is projected to surpass that of fossil fuels by 2035, reaching 15 thousand terawatt-hours.

Electricity capacity explained

Generation capacity is a measure of the maximum power output, meaning the amount of electricity a generator can produce at full power. There are three main types of capacity. Nameplate generating capacity refers to the capacity under certain conditions determined by the generator manufacturer. Meanwhile, net summer generation capacity is determined through performance tests during the peak demand in the summer months while, in contrast, net winter capacity is determined during peak demand in the winter.