Renewables set to become the world’s largest source of electricity generation in 2026 (Report)

According to a new report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), global electricity demand is expected to grow at a faster pace this year than in 2025, even as power systems worldwide contend with turbulence in energy markets and price volatility.

Published today, the IEA’s latest semi-annual Electricity Market Report forecasts that global electricity demand will rise by 3.6% in 2026, followed by a further 3.8% increase in 2027, compared with growth of 3% in 2025. Global electricity consumption is expected to reach 30,700 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2027, up from 28,600 TWh in 2025.

At the same time, the expansion of electricity generation from renewable sources has helped diversify power supplies in many countries.

Renewables are on track to become the world’s largest source of electricity generation in 2026, overtaking coal after reaching a nearly equivalent level in 2025. Renewable electricity output is expected to increase by more than 8% in 2026, while its share of global power generation is projected to rise from 33% in 2025 to 37% in 2027.

According to the same report, solar energy continues to drive growth in the global electricity supply. Solar photovoltaic generation is expected to expand sharply over the next two years and surpass wind power in 2026, becoming the world’s second-largest source of renewable electricity after hydropower.

Global solar photovoltaic electricity generation is projected to increase by around 600 TWh in 2026, matching the record annual growth recorded in 2025. Similarly strong growth is expected in 2027.

What's happening in Tunisia?
Subscribe to our Youtube channel for updates.