Electricity
World electricity demand increased by 5% in 2021, with nearly 50% of the increase met by fossil fuels
Derived from the flow of electric charge, electricity has become an integral part of modern life. Many work, communication, transport and leisure activities depend on this form of energy. Given its important role in our lives, access to a secure supply of electricity is essential. Most electricity globally is produced from fossil fuels in large power plants, where heat energy from burning coal, natural gas, or oil is converted into electricity. However, low-carbon sources – nuclear energy and renewables such as solar, wind, hydro and biomass – are making up increasingly large proportions of the global generation mix as a result of efforts to mitigate climate change as well as falling technology costs. The electricity from the generators is typically fed into an electrical grid to be delivered to the consumers. Electricity first flows over large distances through the transmission network and then within regional distribution networks before finally getting delivered into our homes and businesses.
Continually matching the supply of electricity with demand is a complex task. Electricity markets are therefore designed not only to ensure ahead of time that sufficient generation capacity is available for the expected demand (typically through forward contracts) but also to perform real-time balancing using flexibility measures such as dispatchable generation, energy storage and interconnection. Nevertheless, the electricity system is transforming towards an even more complex future. While a higher share of intermittent renewables and decentralised generation in the mix disrupt the supply side, the demand side is challenged by a high level of uncertainty as electrification of heat and transport is advanced as a key decarbonisation strategy. Thus, the future will bring about additional roles for the grid, a greater need for flexibility and new business models, all of which will make electricity systems increasingly dependent upon 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%
of the electricity generation mix in 2021 was from renewables (IEA)
Over 0%
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)
0%
of total UK electricity generation in 2020 came from renewables, reaching a record high (BEIS)
What's new?
Large solar project opens in Australia
29/03/2023
The two-stage project, which in total will generate 720 MW, was approved by the New South Wales government in 2020. Stage one of the project, which ha...
Nuclear power reaches for the moon
29/03/2023
The UK Space Agency has announced £2.9mn of new funding for Rolls-Royce’s micro-reactor project as an initial demonstration of a UK lunar modular nucl...
Call to pick up pace of financing the energy transition
29/03/2023
Highlighting the ‘critical importance of strong government policies relating both to the real economy and to the financial system if finance is to flo...
Opening new markets for clean hydrogen
29/03/2023
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has announced $750mn to advance clean hydrogen technologies. Produced with net zero carbon emissions, clean hydrogen...
European Commission proposes EU electricity market reform
22/03/2023
The EU has had an efficient, well-integrated electricity market for over 20 years, allowing consumers to reap the economic benefits of a single energy...
Events and training
Aviation Jet Fuel - April 2023
18/04/2023
This 3-day training course will provide delegates with an overview of aviation jet fuel, focusing on the jet engine, its underlying principles and fue...
Technical guidance publications
Controlling the risk from static electricity - DVD training tool
2013
Static electricity is a phenomenon most of us will have experienced. In industrial environments, where flammable atmospheres are present, it can have ...
Risks of Static Electricity: DVD and guidelines bundle
2013
To place an order, please contact our distributors:t: +44 (0)1767 604 951 e: energyinst@turpin-distribution.comIn industrial environments, where...
Model Code of Safe Practice Part 21: Guidelines for the control of hazards arising from static electricity
2013
Essential reading for all those involved in the fuels distribution and supply chain, this document provides up to date guidance on key equipment...
CIBSE Guide K: Electricity in Buildings
2005
Provides information on electrical services in buildings. For 'lighters' - offers information on power factor correction, power supplies, uninterrupti...