GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Power Generation Industry Statistics

The Power Generation Industry statistics typically include measures such as electricity production, capacity utilization, fuel mix, and generation by energy source.

Highlights: Power Generation Industry Statistics

  • The power generation industry contributed roughly 5% to the Global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2020.
  • In 2019, the total global power generation was around 27,644 TeraWatt-hour (TWh).
  • The renewable energy sector represented around 26.2% of global power generation in 2018.
  • The coal-fired power generation accounted for almost 38% of world electricity production in 2019.
  • As of 2020, China is the largest producer of electricity in the world, with a generation of approximately 7,600 TWh.
  • Nuclear power generated approximately 10% of the world's electricity in 2019.
  • In the U.S., natural gas fired power plants are responsible for 38% of electricity production in 2019.
  • In 2020, wind power generation reached a capacity of 743 GW globally.
  • Total energy consumption in the power generation sector was approximately 39 quadrillion Btu in the US in 2019.
  • The power generation industry is expected to invest around $10.2 trillion in new power generation capacity worldwide from 2017 to 2040.
  • By 2040, 86% of Europe's electricity production is expected to be from renewable energy sources.
  • In 2018, the global power generation from hydroelectric power sources was roughly 4,210 TWh.
  • By 2023, India is projected to have an energy generation capacity of 350 GW.
  • By 2040, solar and wind energy combined are projected to supply 48% of the worldwide demand for electricity.
  • In 2020, solar energy accounted for 3% of total U.S. power generation.
  • The global power sector emissions were projected to reach 13.6 GtCO2 in 2020.
  • In 2019, geothermal power generation contributed to around 0.3% of the global power supply.
  • The biomass power generation in the US produced 70.6 billion KWh of electricity in 2019.
  • In 2019, the power generation sector in South Korea was the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 37.2%.

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The Latest Power Generation Industry Statistics Explained

The power generation industry contributed roughly 5% to the Global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2020.

The statistic that the power generation industry contributed roughly 5% to the Global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2020 indicates the significant economic impact of this sector on the worldwide economy. This means that the total value of goods and services produced by the power generation industry made up 5% of the total economic output of all countries combined. This highlights the importance of the power generation sector in driving economic growth and development, as it plays a crucial role in providing energy for various industries and households. Additionally, this statistic suggests that changes and developments in the power generation industry can have broad implications for global economic activities and policies.

In 2019, the total global power generation was around 27,644 TeraWatt-hour (TWh).

The statistic that in 2019, the total global power generation was around 27,644 TeraWatt-hour (TWh) represents the aggregate amount of electricity produced worldwide during that year. This figure accounts for the total output from all sources of power generation, including fossil fuels, renewable energy sources, and nuclear power. The measurement in TWh provides a standardized unit to quantify the scale of electricity generation on a global level, allowing for comparisons and analysis of energy consumption trends across different regions and time periods. This statistic underscores the enormity of the world’s energy demand and highlights the significance of assessing and managing power generation to meet current needs while striving for sustainable and efficient energy practices.

The renewable energy sector represented around 26.2% of global power generation in 2018.

The statistic indicates that in 2018, renewable energy sources accounted for approximately 26.2% of the total global power generation. This signifies a considerable portion of the power generated worldwide came from renewable sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and biomass. The increasing share of renewable energy in the global power generation mix reflects the ongoing shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy alternatives to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate the impact of climate change. This statistic highlights the growing importance and adoption of renewable energy technologies on a global scale, as countries strive to transition towards a more environmentally friendly and carbon-neutral energy future.

The coal-fired power generation accounted for almost 38% of world electricity production in 2019.

The statistic stating that coal-fired power generation accounted for nearly 38% of world electricity production in 2019 highlights the significant role of coal in meeting global energy demands. Despite efforts to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, coal continues to be a major contributor to electricity generation worldwide. The prominence of coal in the energy mix underscores the challenges faced in balancing energy needs with environmental concerns, as coal-fired power generation is known to be a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. This statistic serves as a reminder of the ongoing reliance on coal for electricity production and the importance of accelerating the shift towards cleaner and renewable energy sources to address climate change and promote sustainable development.

As of 2020, China is the largest producer of electricity in the world, with a generation of approximately 7,600 TWh.

The statistic indicates that as of 2020, China holds the top position globally in terms of electricity production, generating an estimated 7,600 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity. This figure underscores China’s considerable capacity in the energy sector and its growing influence in meeting global energy demands. The significant amount of electricity produced reflects China’s massive industrial and technological advancements, as well as its robust infrastructure for energy production and distribution. Being the largest producer of electricity in the world also suggests China’s pivotal role in shaping international energy policies and its potential impact on global energy markets and sustainability efforts.

Nuclear power generated approximately 10% of the world’s electricity in 2019.

The statistic stating that nuclear power generated approximately 10% of the world’s electricity in 2019 highlights the significant contribution of nuclear energy to the global energy mix. This figure demonstrates the importance of nuclear power as a reliable and relatively low-carbon source of electricity on a global scale. It suggests that nuclear power remains a key player in meeting the world’s energy demands and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, despite concerns surrounding safety, waste disposal, and potential security issues associated with nuclear facilities. This statistic underscores the ongoing role of nuclear energy in diversifying the energy mix and addressing climate change challenges.

In the U.S., natural gas fired power plants are responsible for 38% of electricity production in 2019.

The statistic indicates that in the United States in 2019, natural gas-fired power plants generated 38% of the total electricity produced. This means that nearly two-fifths of the electricity consumed in the country was generated by utilizing natural gas as a fuel source. Natural gas is a popular choice for power generation due to its relatively low emissions compared to coal and oil, making it a cleaner and more environmentally friendly option. The significant contribution of natural gas-fired power plants to the electricity mix highlights the importance of this energy source in meeting the country’s power needs and transitioning towards a more sustainable energy future.

In 2020, wind power generation reached a capacity of 743 GW globally.

The statistic that in 2020, wind power generation reached a capacity of 743 GW globally signifies the significant growth and adoption of wind energy as a renewable source of power on a global scale. The 743 GW capacity indicates the total amount of electricity that could potentially be generated by wind turbines at any given moment. This statistic highlights the increasing investment and deployment of wind power infrastructure by countries and organizations worldwide in an effort to shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The substantial capacity of wind power generation in 2020 underscores the positive momentum towards a more sustainable energy future.

Total energy consumption in the power generation sector was approximately 39 quadrillion Btu in the US in 2019.

The statistic that the total energy consumption in the power generation sector was approximately 39 quadrillion Btu in the US in 2019 indicates the significant amount of energy consumed to produce electricity. A quadrillion Btu is a massive unit of energy, illustrating the scale of energy utilized in powering various sectors of the economy. This statistic highlights the importance of the power generation sector in meeting the energy demands of the country and emphasizes the necessity for sustainable and efficient energy production and consumption practices to ensure energy security and environmental sustainability.

The power generation industry is expected to invest around $10.2 trillion in new power generation capacity worldwide from 2017 to 2040.

The statistic indicates that the power generation industry is projected to make substantial investments totaling $10.2 trillion globally to add new power generation capacity between the years 2017 and 2040. This significant financial commitment underscores the industry’s recognition of the growing demand for electricity due to factors such as population growth, urbanization, and technological advancements. Such investments are essential for expanding and modernizing power generation infrastructure to meet future energy needs sustainably. This statistic highlights the scale of investment required in the power sector over the next couple of decades to ensure reliable and efficient electricity supply for economies around the world.

By 2040, 86% of Europe’s electricity production is expected to be from renewable energy sources.

The statistic suggests that by the year 2040, the majority of electricity production in Europe is anticipated to come from renewable energy sources, accounting for approximately 86% of the total. This indicates a significant shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, and biomass. The transition to renewable energy is likely driven by factors such as environmental concerns, government policies promoting renewable energy adoption, technological advancements, and decreasing costs of renewable energy technologies. This shift towards renewable energy sources reflects a larger global trend towards reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change, highlighting Europe’s commitment to transitioning to a more sustainable energy future.

In 2018, the global power generation from hydroelectric power sources was roughly 4,210 TWh.

The statistic indicates that in 2018, the total global power generation from hydroelectric power sources amounted to approximately 4,210 terawatt-hours (TWh). This figure represents the amount of electricity produced worldwide through the utilization of hydropower generation facilities such as dams and hydroelectric plants. Hydroelectric power is a renewable energy source that harnesses the energy of flowing water to generate electricity, and it is considered one of the largest sources of clean, sustainable energy globally. The significant contribution of hydroelectric power to the global electricity supply signifies its importance in helping to meet energy demands while reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental sustainability in the energy sector.

By 2023, India is projected to have an energy generation capacity of 350 GW.

The statistic “By 2023, India is projected to have an energy generation capacity of 350 GW” indicates that by the year 2023, India is expected to have the capability to generate 350 gigawatts of energy. This reflects the rapid growth and development in India’s energy sector, likely driven by investments in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower, as well as traditional sources like coal and natural gas. A significant increase in energy generation capacity suggests a growing demand for electricity to support economic growth and meet the needs of India’s expanding population. This projection highlights India’s commitment to expanding its energy infrastructure to meet the country’s evolving energy requirements and advance towards a more sustainable and reliable energy system.

By 2040, solar and wind energy combined are projected to supply 48% of the worldwide demand for electricity.

The statistic states that by the year 2040, it is projected that solar and wind energy combined will supply 48% of the global electricity demand. This indicates a significant shift towards renewable sources of energy in the electricity sector, with solar and wind power playing a major role in meeting the world’s energy needs. This projection suggests a growing emphasis on sustainable energy sources to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change. It also reflects advancements in technology, decreasing costs of renewable energy generation, and increasing awareness of the benefits of transitioning to cleaner energy sources. This shift towards solar and wind energy is expected to have a substantial impact on the global energy landscape and could lead to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly electricity sector in the future.

In 2020, solar energy accounted for 3% of total U.S. power generation.

In 2020, solar energy accounted for 3% of total U.S. power generation means that out of all the electricity produced in the United States that year, 3% of it was generated from solar energy sources. This statistic highlights the increasing contribution of solar energy to the overall power generation mix in the U.S., signaling a shift towards renewable energy sources. The growth of solar energy generation is significant as it reflects efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, combat climate change, and move towards a more sustainable and clean energy future. This statistic showcases the expanding importance of solar energy in the U.S. energy landscape and its potential to continue to play a key role in meeting energy needs while addressing environmental concerns.

The global power sector emissions were projected to reach 13.6 GtCO2 in 2020.

The statistic indicates that the total carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the global power sector were estimated to reach 13.6 gigatons (Gt) in the year 2020. This figure reflects the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere by power generation activities worldwide during that year. Such emissions are a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Monitoring and reducing emissions from the power sector are critical for addressing environmental challenges and transitioning towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources to mitigate the impact of climate change.

In 2019, geothermal power generation contributed to around 0.3% of the global power supply.

The statistic indicates that in 2019, geothermal power generation accounted for approximately 0.3% of the total global power supply. Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source derived from the heat within the Earth’s crust. Despite its sustainability and low environmental impact, geothermal power production remains a relatively small contributor to the overall energy mix compared to fossil fuels and other renewable sources like solar and wind. The 0.3% figure underscores the limited scale of geothermal power generation on a global level, highlighting the need for further investment and development in this clean energy technology to increase its share in the overall energy production mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

The biomass power generation in the US produced 70.6 billion KWh of electricity in 2019.

The statistic indicating that biomass power generation in the US produced 70.6 billion KWh of electricity in 2019 represents the total amount of electricity generated from biomass sources such as wood, agricultural residues, and other organic materials during that year. This figure highlights the significant contribution of biomass power generation in meeting the country’s electricity needs, demonstrating its importance as a renewable and sustainable energy source. By utilizing organic materials to produce electricity, biomass power generation helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to efforts to mitigate climate change and promote a more environmentally friendly energy sector.

In 2019, the power generation sector in South Korea was the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 37.2%.

In 2019, the power generation sector in South Korea was the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions, responsible for 37.2% of the total emissions in the country. This statistic indicates that a significant portion of South Korea’s carbon footprint can be attributed to the electricity production sector, highlighting the importance of transitioning to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources to mitigate the impact of climate change. Policymakers and stakeholders may need to focus on implementing strategies and technologies that reduce emissions from power generation in order to meet environmental goals and commitments aimed at combating global warming.

Conclusion

Understanding the current statistics and trends in the power generation industry is crucial for stakeholders to make informed decisions and plan for the future. By staying updated on key metrics such as energy sources, capacity, and generation levels, industry players can better navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities in this dynamic sector. Monitoring statistical data can also help drive innovation, promote sustainability, and ensure reliable and affordable energy supply for the growing global population. Ultimately, leveraging data-driven insights is essential for shaping the future of power generation towards a more efficient, resilient, and cleaner energy landscape.

References

0. – https://www.www.ibef.org

1. – https://www.www.eia.gov

2. – https://www.gwec.net

3. – https://www.about.bnef.com

4. – https://www.www.statista.com

5. – https://www.www.iaea.org

6. – https://www.www.renewableenergyworld.com

7. – https://www.www.bloomberg.com

8. – https://www.www.irena.org

9. – https://www.www.iea.org

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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