Keeping the lights on: How a mix of electricity sources will help us reach net-zero

Hydro is the most widely used renewable energy in the mix, accounting for 16% of power generation, followed by wind (4.8%) and solar (2.2%).

In Europe, nuclear energy is the dominant source, accounting for more than 70% of power generation. Wind and solar power combined account for just over 13%, which although small in comparison, is still considerably higher than the rest of the world.

In the United States, shale gas is the most widely-used energy source, with a share of around 25% in the country’s overall electricity mix. Shale gas is produced on a large scale in the country, which alongside coal exports, keeps prices low on the global market.

However, renewable energy is the fastest-growing energy source in the U.S. and increased 100% from 2000 to 2018. Renewables make up 17% of U.S. electricity generation, with the bulk coming from hydro (7%) and wind (6.6%).