As the world works toward net-zero targets, it’s important to understand how electricity is actually being generated today, and where the biggest shifts are happening.
The diagrams below show the 2024 electricity generation mix for five major regions: United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, United States, European Union, and China. Each Sankey diagram illustrates the flow of electricity generation by source – from fossil fuels to renewables.
By standardising the categories (coal, gas, nuclear, wind, solar, hydro, bioenergy, oil/other), we can clearly compare how different countries are progressing toward cleaner energy systems.
United Kingdom
50.7% renewables
Major contributor: Wind
Choice fact: The UK ran its power grid with zero coal for several months in 2024 — a symbolic step toward full decarbonisation.
UK electricity generated in TWh:
United Arab Emirates
Electricity generated by renewables in 2024: 6.7%
Major contributor: Natural Gas
Choice fact: The UAE launched the National Hydrogen Strategy and fully commissioned all four reactors at Barakah Nuclear Power Plant – part of its long-term plan to reach net zero by 2050.
UAE electricity generated in TWh:
United States of America
23% renewables
Major contributor: Natural Gas
Choice fact: For the first time in history, wind and solar generated more electricity than coal for a full calendar year.
USA electricity generated in TWh:
European Union
45.4% renewables
Major contributor: Wind
Choice fact: Solar power overtook coal in electricity generation for the first time across the EU in 2024.
EU electricity generated in TWh:
China
38% renewables
Major contributor: Coal
Choice fact: China added more solar capacity in 2024 than the rest of the world combined — yet still generated over 60% of its electricity from coal.
China electricity generated in TWh:
While some countries are racing ahead with renewables, others are balancing growth with reliability, legacy infrastructure, and policy shifts. The data shows that there’s no single route to decarbonisation — just different starting points, challenges, and opportunities. Progress isn’t only measured by current percentages, but by momentum, investment, and long-term commitment. Whether it’s the UK phasing out coal, China scaling solar at record speed, or the UAE expanding nuclear and hydrogen strategies — each approach reflects a unique path toward a cleaner energy future.
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