World energy |
BP Statistical Review revisited
Have you ever wondered what became of the BP Statistical Review of World Energy, the definitive digest of energy data published annually since 1952, and invariably the first comprehensive overview of the previous year’s annual global energy data to be published? Well, it’s alive and well and, since 2023, has been under the custodianship of the Energy Institute (“global professional body for the energy sector”). It is now produced in partnership with Ember, and in collaboration with KPMG and Kearney, with data compilation done by “knowledge partner”, Wattage, a spin off from Heriot-Watt University. Below are a few highlights from the 88-page 2026 edition, covering energy developments as of end 2025
Change in total global energy supply by source, 2025, EJ. Renewables were the largest contributor to TES (total energy supply) growth. Source: Energy Institute
Not entirely surprisingly, the Energy Institute’s latest Statistical Review of World Energy documents significant expansion of renewables, driven by declines in solar panel prices. Renewables were the largest source of total energy supply (TES) growth “for the first time outside of a recession” says the Institute, with solar power accounting for 71% of the increase and rising 30% year on year.
However, fossil fuels retain their dominant position, accounting for 86% of total final energy
Electricity as a share of total energy supply (%) – a proxy for electrification rates. Source: Energy Institute
supply in 2025, and only a little down from the 89% share recorded over 10 years ago. Global TES exceeded 600 EJ in 2025, a rise of 1.7% over 2024, continuing the long term upward trend in energy demand. However, electricity demand growth, at 3% year-on-year, is much greater, with electric vehicles and
datacentres major drivers. Electricity as a share of TES has doubled since the turn of the century in China, reaching 24%, while this share has plateaued in the USA in the last decade. The USA is lagging significantly in terms of renewables added, with only 0.4 EJ of increased renewables supply in 2025, compared with 1.8 EJ in China. China is emerging as the undisputed leader in renewables.
Annual change in electricity generation (TWh). Low carbon sources meet power demand rise. Source: Energy Institute
14 | October 2026 |
www.modernpowersystems.com
Carbon dioxide emissions per EJ. Source: Energy Institute
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