According to the latest report released by the International Energy Agency (IEA), by 2030, half of the world’s electricity will be supplied by renewable energy and nuclear power combined. This reflects the significantly enhanced role of low-carbon energy in the global power system and marks a reshaping of the traditional power generation landscape. As countries accelerate energy restructuring, the power system is becoming a key area for achieving climate goals.
Surge in Demand
The report predicts that global electricity demand will maintain rapid growth in the coming years, with an average annual growth rate expected to exceed 3%, at least 2.5 times the growth rate of overall energy demand. This trend is mainly driven by factors such as increased industrial electricity consumption, the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, rapid growth in electricity consumption related to data centers and artificial intelligence, and the accelerated urbanization process in emerging economies. Against the backdrop of continuously expanding demand, relying solely on traditional fossil fuels is no longer sufficient to simultaneously achieve energy security and emission reduction targets. Therefore, large-scale development of renewable energy and stable low-carbon power sources has become a common choice for countries.
Structural Reshaping
Renewable energy is the core driver of future electricity growth. Among them, solar and wind power installed capacity continues to reach new highs, and the cost of power generation has decreased significantly, making them dominant in new electricity supply. Meanwhile, nuclear power, as a stable, low-carbon baseload power source, plays an irreplaceable role in ensuring the safety and stability of the power system. The IEA predicts that global nuclear power generation will reach a record high by the middle of this decade, forming a crucial pillar of the low-carbon power system together with renewable energy. The combination of renewable energy and nuclear power helps balance the conflict between intermittency and stability.
Opportunities and Challenges Coexist
Despite the clear prospects, achieving the milestone where renewable energy and nuclear power account for half of global electricity still faces challenges. The report sharply points out that in developed economies, renewable energy can basically meet moderately growing demand. However, in many developing countries, electricity demand is growing rapidly, while grid investment is lagging significantly. The IEA emphasizes that only with coordinated advancements in policy, technology, and market mechanisms can the global power system achieve a higher proportion of low-carbon power generation while maintaining reliability.
