In 2024, a significant milestone was reached: for the first time since the 1940s, low-carbon energy accounted for more than 40% of global electricity generation.

This evolution is placing pressure on current power grids and underlines the urgency of implementing intelligent energy management systems. To remain competitive and overcome staff shortages, companies must prioritise both the attraction and retention of highly skilled energy professionals.

The question for energy leaders is twofold: how are renewables reshaping the future of energy security, and how can organisations secure the specialist energy talent needed to deliver high-quality outcomes on projects that will define the next era of the energy landscape?

Global Electricity Demand

Geographic Electricity Distribution

In 2024, electricity demand increased by 4.2%, marking the third-largest absolute rise in electricity consumption ever recorded. This growth outpaced overall energy demand, which expanded by only 2.2%. Global electricity demand also climbed to 30,856 TWh, surpassing the 30,000 TWh threshold for the first time.

This development was driven primarily by the greater use of electricity-intensive appliances (such as air conditioning), the growing demand from digitalisation, data centres and AI, and weather-related factors, including rising temperatures.

The countries most responsible for global electricity demand are:

• China (32.6%)
• US (14.3%)
• EU (8.8%)
• India (6.7%)
• Russia (3.9%)
• Japan (3.3%)
• Brazil (2.5%)
• South Korea (2%)
• Other economies (26%)

Global Energy Source Distribution

The renewable energy transition is showing significant signs of progress, finally overtaking coal, which has been the largest source of electricity generation for the past 50 years, but now accounts for just 35% of total power generation.

However, coal still dominates in some areas – accounting for almost 60% of electricity generation in China, and still leading the energy mix in India.

Renewables are mostly leading the way in the EU, representing around a third of electricity generation, broken down into:

1. Hydropower (14%)
2. Wind (8%)
3. Solar PV (7%)
4. Bioenergy and waste (3%)

This trend is unsurprising given the EU’s significant investments in renewable energy through initiatives such as the European Green Deal, which aims to transform member states into climate-neutral, modern, and competitive economies. To achieve these ambitious goals, the EU plans to invest at least €1 trillion in sustainable projects over the next decade. Additional initiatives supporting this transition include InvestEU, REPowerEU, and the Renewable Energy Financing Mechanism (RENEWFM).

Biggest Renewable Energy Sources and Trends

Hydropower

Hydropower was the largest source of clean energy, accounting for 14% of total electricity generation. The primary reason hydropower led in 2024 was improved weather conditions rather than an expansion in capacity. However, hydropower is experiencing relatively slow growth, increasing by only 2%, highlighting its gradual decline as a leading renewable energy source.

China was the largest contributor, responsible for 71% of global hydropower generation that year, despite it still being a small part of the country’s overall energy mix. Countries like Brazil and Canada rely more on hydro with about 55% of their electricity generation.

Nuclear

Nuclear energy rose by 2.5% in 2024, generating 2,765 TWh, or 9% of global electricity—slightly more than hydropower. However, the overall trend for nuclear energy remains relatively stagnant, as it has not kept pace with the rise in global electricity demand.

Although nuclear growth is slower than that of other energy sources and four reactors were closed in 2024, global interest in new nuclear energy projects is expected to increase due to advances in technology, supportive policies, and higher investment.

For instance, Japan is restarting its reactors, France is investing in maintenance and upgrades, and countries such as China, India, and South Korea are commissioning new nuclear plants. These developments aim to enhance energy security while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Wind

Wind energy has tripled since 2015, reaching a new record of 2,498 TWh in 2024. This accounted for 8.1% of global electricity generation that year. Although growth was somewhat limited by weather conditions, wind remained the second-fastest-growing source of low-carbon electricity after solar energy.

In 2024, 35 countries generated more than a tenth of their electricity from wind power. China was responsible for over 50% of the global increase, producing a total of 992 TWh, largely due to capacity additions in 2023. The US and Germany ranked second and third, generating 453 TWh and 133 TWh, respectively.

Solar

Although hydropower remains the largest source of clean energy, solar power saw record growth in 2024, increasing by 29% to 2,131 TWh, a six-year high. Global solar capacity continues to expand rapidly, effectively doubling every three years.

This growth is driven by declining costs of solar installations and supportive policy incentives, making solar the fastest-growing source of electricity for the 20th consecutive year. China led global solar generation with 834 TWh in 2024, followed by the US with 303 TWh, and India with 134 TWh.

Attracting and Retaining Renewable Energy Specialists

Due to rising electricity demand, outdated infrastructure, and significant investments in the sector, renewable energy companies are looking for the right talent to remain competitive and achieve their project goals.

However, attracting and retaining renewable energy specialists is challenging, as demand is outpacing supply. The global energy transition has generated a surge in projects across solar, wind, hydrogen, and battery storage, yet the talent pool has not expanded quickly enough. Skilled engineers, project managers, and technicians are in high demand, resulting in strong competition among employers.

Key obstacles include:

• Skills shortage: Europe faces an ageing workforce, and combined with the growth in renewable energy, the availability of niche skilled professionals remains limited.
• Global competition: Companies worldwide are trying to recruit the same experts, often offering high salaries or relocation incentives.
• Evolving technologies: Professionals must continuously upskill in areas such as digitalisation, smart grids, and hydrogen systems.

Recruitment specialists like Amoria Bond play a crucial role in bridging these gaps. We have access to global active and passive talent pools and can find qualified candidates who align with your companies’ goals, culture and expectations.

When partnering with Amoria Bond, you can expect 360° staffing solutions, with access to a network of over 950,000 experts. Our specialists work closely with you to determine the best solution for your specific needs.

We can rapidly deliver the most relevant candidates worldwide, within 48 hours for contract roles, saving you significant time, resources, and costs associated with attracting and securing niche, skills-scarce technology and advanced engineering professionals.

Our services include:

• Sourcing candidates
• First and second-stage screening
• Selection interviews
• Offer and resignation processes
• Industry knowledge transfer

Progress Your Renewable Energy Goals with Amoria Bond

Do you want to be at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution with top-tier expertise? Don’t hesitate to contact our recruitment teams in Cologne, Amsterdam, Manchester, Dallas, or Singapore to discuss your energy staffing goals.