World electricity demand is expected to increase by an average of 3.4% every year until 2026
Electricity, derived from the flow of electric charge, is vital for numerous aspects of modern life, from work and communication to transport and leisure. Most electricity is produced from fossil fuels in power plants, but low-carbon sources like nuclear and renewables (solar, wind, hydro, biomass) are increasingly contributing to the global generation mix. These efforts aim to mitigate climate change and leverage falling technology costs. Electricity generated is fed into a grid, transmitted over long distances, and distributed regionally to homes and businesses.
Balancing electricity supply with demand is complex, requiring markets to ensure sufficient generation through forward contracts and real-time balancing with flexible measures like dispatchable generation, energy storage, and interconnection. The system is evolving with more intermittent renewables and decentralized generation, creating supply-side disruptions and demand-side uncertainties. Future electricity systems will need enhanced grid roles, greater flexibility, and new business models, increasingly relying on digital technologies.
Learn more about these sources of electricity by exploring our Energy Insights on this topic.
Discover UK energy professionals' views of the future of electricity, gathered in our annual Energy Barometer.
Search for articles on electric vehicles and the role of electricity in transport published in our New Energy World magazine.
0%
share of total power generation was from renewables in 2023 (Statistical Review of World Energy)
Over0%
of global electricity still comes from coal-fired generation (IEA)
0%
of global electricity demand increase during 2020-25 is expected to be met by renewables (IEA)
0GW
is the grid-scale battery electricity storage system capacity in 2023 (Statistical Review of World Energy)
New Energy World stories
Neoen powers up final stage of Australia’s largest BESS
8th October 2025
Located in south-west Western Australia, the Collie BESS has been developed in two stages. Collie 1, with a capacity of 219 MW/877 MWh, went live a ye...
Spanish blackouts won’t happen in the UK, says grid operator
8th October 2025
The NESO report examines what lessons can be learnt from the 28 April power outage in Spain and Portugal and applied to the UK grid. Working with the ...
China sets its first absolute GHG emissions reduction target, as UN climate pledges build momentum
8th October 2025
Speaking in a video address at the UN Summit, President Xi Jinping committed China to cut emissions across the economy by 7–10% from peak levels by 20...
Parties clash as UK energy policy turns into political battleground
8th October 2025
UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband used his speech on the last day of the Labour Party Conference on 1 October to set out a sweeping vision for the UK’s ...
TotalEnergies to operate France’s largest renewable energy project despite proposed exit of partner RWE
1st October 2025
The 1.5 GW offshore wind farm proposed by the TotalEnergies-RWE consortium will generate approximately 6 TWh/y and supply green electricity to the equ...
Technical guidance publications
EI 3299
Guidelines on earthing/grounding/bonding in the oil and gas industry
September 2025
This publication brings together the essential requirements relating to earthing/grounding and bonding for installations in hazardous areas in the oil...
EI 3582
SafetyOn and G+ workshops report: Electrical safe system of work
February 2025
SafetyOn and G+ have been working collaboratively with the EI to enhance safety protocols in the onshore and offshore wind industry through the Safe S...
EI 3021
Model Code of Safe Practice Part 21: Guidelines for the control of hazards arising from static electricity
June 2024
Essential reading for all those involved in the fuels distribution and supply chain, this document provides up to date guidance on key equipment, proc...
EI 3564
Guidance on green and low carbon hydrogen production: plant design, construction, operation and maintenance, co-location and other considerations
June 2024
‘Hydrogen economy’ is an umbrella term used to describe the role that hydrogen plays in the broader economy, including as a fuel, as an energy carrier...
EI 3556
SafetyOn Electrical safety good practice guidelines: Wind turbine generator high voltage access awareness
April 2024
This first edition of the SafetyOn good practice guidelines: Wind Turbine Generator High Voltage Access Awareness covers the minimum safety training r...