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Energy system
Coal
Global coal demand to remain on a plateau in 2025 and 2026
Despite unusual trends across several major markets in the first half of 2025, global coal demand is likely to remain broadly unchanged to 2027 as underlying structural drivers of the world’s coal use remain stable.
Global coal demand increased to a new all-time high in 2024 of around 8.8 billion tonnes, up 1.5% from 2023, as rising consumption in China, India, Indonesia and other emerging economies more than offset declines in advanced economies in Europe, North America and northeast Asia. However, several of those…
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Energy system
Bioenergy
Led by bioenergy, renewable fuels could approach 6% of energy demand from industry, buildings and transport in 2030
By 2030, renewable fuels are set to account for 5.5% of energy consumption from the industry, building and transport sectors. Demand is due to expand in all regions, but it is concentrated in China, Brazil, Europe, India and the United States, which collectively support more than two-thirds of the forecasted growth. All five countries and regions have dedicated support policies for several – and, in some cases, all – renewable fuels. These vary by fuel, sector and country, but they often include…
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Energy system
Biofuels
Country and regional highlights
The United States Inflation Reduction Act makes USD 9.4 billion available for biofuels
Energy
Biofuel demand increased by 6% in 2022, continuing the recent pace of growth
Technology deployment
Biofuel production technology needs to diversify to sustainably take advantage of existing waste and residue feedstocks
Innovation
Technologies that can convert woody feedstocks into biofuels need to be proven at scale in the next few years
Supporting infrastructure
Policy
Investment
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Energy system
Natural Gas
The coming LNG wave is set to profoundly transform the global gas market
Global gas markets, which have been tight and volatile for several years, are set to undergo major changes by the end of this decade. The unfolding coming wave of liquefied natural gas (LNG) production capacity is set to rebalance the global gas market, enhance energy supply security and improve the affordability of natural gas.
About 300 billion cubic metres (bcm) per year of LNG export capacity – a record – is set to be added by 2030, primarily supported by liquefaction capacity additions in the United States and Qatar…
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Energy system
Nuclear Power
A new era for nuclear energy beckons as projects, policies and investments increase
As the world’s second-largest source of low-emissions electricity after hydropower, nuclear power today produces just under 10% of global electricity supply. Now, fresh momentum around the world has the potential to open a new era for nuclear energy.
Power generation from the global fleet of nearly 420 active nuclear reactors is set to reach a record high in 2025 as Japan restarts production, maintenance works are completed in France, and new reactors begin commercial operations in various markets, including China, Europe, India and Korea…
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Energy system
Hydroelectricity
Hydropower is the largest source of renewable energy today, but that could change soon
Hydro is currently the third largest source of power generation worldwide after coal and natural gas. In 2024, it generated around 4 500 terawatt-hours of electricity, or 14% of the global total.
More than 150 gigawatts (GW) of new hydro capacity is set to come online by the end of the decade, mostly in emerging and developing economies. As a result, electricity generation from hydropower is expected to increase by 7% between 2025 and 2030. However, its share in global electricity generation is poised to…
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Energy system
Solar PV
Solar PV continues to dominate global renewables growth, though at a slower rate
Recent policy changes are expected to affect the pace at which solar PV capacity is added annually through the end of this decade. Even so, low costs, faster permitting and broad social acceptance are set to continue to drive the accelerating adoption of solar PV. As a result, capacity is set to more than double between 2025 and 2030 compared with the 2019 to 2024 period.
A growing share of variable renewable sources such as solar also comes with challenges. Curtailment levels and instances of negative electricity…