The Energy Transition Show with Chris Nelder [Episode #266] – Global Electricity Review 2025 (Lagniappe edition)
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Dec 31, 2025 
In this enlightening discussion, energy analyst Nick Fulghum of Ember tackles the pivotal findings from the Global Electricity Review 2025. He shares that renewable energy plus nuclear has surged past 40% of global electricity, with solar leading the charge by adding 474 TWh in 2024 alone. Fulghum also highlights how countries like India and China are rapidly decoupling from coal while demonstrating that solar is essential in curbing fossil fuel growth. With batteries scaling quickly, he argues that a near-term peak in power emissions is achievable as renewables continue to dominate.
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Host's Year Of Global Reporting
- Chris Nelder recounts driving 5,500 miles from New Mexico to Alaska and producing a three-part miniseries on Alaska.
- He also visited South Africa, Sydney, London, Paris, and Japan in 2025 for reporting and conferences.
Low-Carbon Crosses 40% Threshold
- Low-carbon sources supplied over 40% of global electricity in 2024 for the first time since the 1940s.
- Renewables, led by solar, were the main driver of that gain and added a record 858 TWh in 2024.
Solar Is The Dominant Growth Engine
- Solar was the largest contributor to electricity growth for the third year running and added 474 TWh in 2024.
- Solar alone accounted for nearly half of renewables' growth and outpaced other sources by wide margins.