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Most Common Sources of Electricity Around the World in 2025
Coal Dominates in Many Countries
In 2025, coal remains the leading source of electricity in numerous nations across Asia and Africa. Countries such as India, China, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Turkey, South Africa, Vietnam, the Philippines, Poland, Czechia, Kazakhstan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Morocco, Serbia, Mongolia, Moldova, and Nigeria predominantly rely on coal-fired power plants. This widespread dependence underscores the ongoing role of coal in powering developing economies and sustaining industrial growth in these regions. However, environmental concerns and international pressure are prompting some countries to explore cleaner alternatives.
Gas Power Continues to Power Many Developed Nations
Natural gas remains the top energy source for electricity in advanced economies such as the United States, Russia, Japan, the United Kingdom, Italy, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Spain, the Netherlands, Singapore, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Thailand, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Argentina, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Tunisia, Tanzania, Uzbekistan, Bolivia, Algeria, Libya, Azerbaijan, Ghana, Belarus, Lithuania, and others. Its widespread use indicates a global shift toward cleaner fossil fuels, given its lower carbon emissions compared to coal.
Nuclear Energy in Selected Countries
In 2025, nuclear power plays a significant role in the energy mix of many parts of Europe and beyond. France is the leading nuclear country, with Ukraine, Finland, Belgium, Hungary, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Slovenia also relying heavily on nuclear power. These countries are investing in nuclear energy due to its low emissions and high reliability, positioning nuclear as a critical component in achieving climate targets.
Wind Energy Gaining Ground in Europe and South America
Wind power’s share is rising, particularly in Germany, Denmark, and Uruguay. These nations are investing heavily in renewable energy sources to reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Wind farms continue to expand, providing a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative for electricity generation.
Hydropower’s Influence in the Americas and Asia
Hydropower remains the dominant renewable energy source in many countries, especially in South America and Asia. Brazil, Bhutan, Canada, Pakistan, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, New Zealand, Romania, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Ethiopia, Panama, Honduras, Paraguay, Georgia, Latvia, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Mozambique, and several others rely heavily on hydroelectric power. These nations benefit from abundant water resources, making hydroelectricity a cost-effective and clean energy option.
Oil and Geothermal: Niche but Notable
While most countries are shifting away from oil for electricity, some, like Syria, Hong Kong, Cuba, Lebanon, Turkmenistan, Puerto Rico, Togo, and Kenya, still utilize oil as a primary energy source. Additionally, Kenya is notable for its utilization of geothermal energy, harnessing heat from beneath the earth’s surface to generate power sustainably.
The Evolving Global Energy Landscape
The international energy scenario in 2025 reflects a transition phase driven by environmental consciousness and technological advancements. While coal and oil continue to power many regions, there’s a discernible shift towards renewable sources like wind, hydro, and nuclear energy. Governments worldwide are setting ambitious sustainability goals, with some phasing out fossil fuels entirely—though the pace varies significantly across nations.
Note: The list is based on the most common energy sources per country in 2025, highlighting a global trend towards cleaner and more sustainable electricity generation.
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