◊ This is part of the ‘Electricity Generation’ series of articles ◊
Before exploring the details of electricity generation it is important to have a global view of energy use – for context. Globally, humans extract energy from various primary sources for many uses including agriculture, transportation, climate control, raw materials extraction and finished goods manufacturing.
Table 1 – Primary energy source categories
| Primary Energy Source |
| Oil |
| Natural Gas |
| Coal |
| Nuclear energy |
| Hydro electric |
| Other Renewables* |
* Other Renewable power includes wind, geothermal, solar, biomass and waste
A portion of global primary energy is used to generate electricity. According to data from the Energy Institute, the electricity share has increased from 12% in 1985 to 17.4% in 2023 – a roughly 50% increase.
Figure 1 – Percentage of primary energy from electricity – data from the Energy Institute “2024 Statistical Review of World Energy”
Total electricity production has tripled from 9,886 TWh in 1985 to 29,925 TWh in 2023.
Figure 2- Global electricity generation in TWh 1985 – 2023 – data from the Energy Institute “2024 Statistical Review of World Energy”
The total global generation of electricity and its share of primary energy have both increased steadily for decades. The trend is likely to continue as electrification is part of a global carbon emission reduction strategy.
Electricity generation by fossil fuel has increased to meet the global demand, however, the rate of increase in non-hydroelectric renewables since 2007 has been most dramatic as the move to low carbon energy sources has become a higher priority.
Figure 3 – Global electricity generation in TWh by fuel 1985 – 2023 – data from the Energy Institute “2024 Statistical Review of World Energy”
Figure 4 – Global electricity energy share by fuel – Data from the Energy Institute “2024 Statistical Review of World Energy”
Most electricity is delivered to end users through an electric network generally referred to as a ‘grid’. The North American grid has been referred to as the world’s largest machine because of its vast interconnection and complexity.
Ontario’s energy mix
The energy mix varies according to region. Ontario for example, has no coal generation and relies mostly on nuclear and hydroelectric generation. Ontario generated 156 TWh of electricity in 2023 or 0.5% of the global total.
Figure 5- Ontario’s 2023 electricity energy share by fuel – Data from the Ontario Energy Board
Now you have a global perspective on primary energy use and where electricity generation fits in, including Ontario’s contribution.
previous article > An introduction to electricity generation
next article > Fundamentals of supply and demand
Derek
