Renewable Electricity Generation

Total electricity generated from renewable sources (hydropower, solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, marine) divided by total electricity generation, multiplied by 100. Excludes nuclear power (though low-carbon, not renewable). Based on national utility reporting and IEA power statistics.

Electricity sector decarbonization is critical for climate mitigation as it accounts for ~40% of global CO₂ emissions. Renewable electricity enables electrification of transport and heating while reducing emissions. Tracking electricity specifically (vs total energy) shows progress in grid decarbonization. Many countries target 50-100% renewable electricity by 2030-2050.

Very Low: < 10% (fossil-dependent grids - coal/gas dominant) Low: 10-30% (early transition - some renewables) Moderate: 30-60% (active transition - major renewable investments) High: 60-85% (advanced transition - mostly renewable) Very High: > 85% (renewable leaders - Iceland ~100%, Norway 98%, Costa Rica 99%) Note: High shares often come from hydropower (geography-dependent). Variable renewables (solar, wind) above 30% require grid flexibility (storage, demand response). Nuclear-heavy grids (France 70% nuclear) have low carbon but are not included in renewable percentage.

Coverage: 200+ countries Update frequency: Annual Source: World Bank / IRENA Renewable Energy Statistics Limitations: Does not distinguish between renewable types (hydro vs solar vs wind). Does not measure grid reliability or storage capacity needed for intermittent renewables. Large hydro projects controversial (ecological impacts, displacement). Does not account for electricity imports (countries importing renewable electricity appear less renewable).