Lower-middle-income countries energy mix & electricity
In 2024, lower-middle-income countries generated 3.53 PWh of electricity, 11% of the global total. Coal was the largest source (52.9%), followed by natural gas (16.6%) and hydropower (14.7%). Renewables supplied 25.7% versus 33.8% globally, and low-carbon sources including nuclear 27.9%.
Electricity by source in 2024
| Source | TWh | Share | 10-yr Δ pp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coal | 1,864 | 52.9% | +4.9 |
| Gas | 585 | 16.6% | −4 |
| Hydro | 517 | 14.7% | −3.5 |
| Solar | 218 | 6.2% | +5.9 |
| Wind | 124 | 3.5% | +1.7 |
| Oil | 94 | 2.7% | −5 |
| Nuclear | 78 | 2.2% | +0.4 |
| Bioenergy | 30 | 0.9% | −0.3 |
| Other renewables | 18 | 0.5% | −0.2 |
Lower-middle-income countries in context
Since 2014, coal has grown the most (+817 TWh), followed by solar power (+212 TWh). Oil declined by 73.8 TWh over the same period. The renewable share rose by 3.6 percentage points over the decade. Average carbon intensity is 620 g CO₂e/kWh, down 22 g from 2014. Coal’s share peaked at 52.9% in 2024 and stands at 52.9% today.
Electricity generation since 2000
Renewables and carbon intensity
Primary energy consumption
All energy used across transport, heat, industry and power. Fossil fuels supply 88.9% and renewables 9.9% of the total.
Income groups follow the World Bank classification as aggregated by Our World in Data. Browse individual countries in the full country table.
Lower-middle-income countries energy: frequently asked questions
What share of electricity in lower-middle-income countries is renewable?
What is the largest source of electricity in lower-middle-income countries?
What is the carbon intensity of electricity in lower-middle-income countries?
How much electricity is generated per person in lower-middle-income countries?
How much electricity in lower-middle-income countries comes from solar and wind?
Other regions & groups
Sources & references
- Our World in Data: Energy dataset (CC BY 4.0) — compiled from the sources below
- Ember: Yearly Electricity Data — generation, shares, carbon intensity
- Energy Institute: Statistical Review of World Energy — primary energy, fossil production
- U.S. Energy Information Administration: International Energy Data — gap-filling for smaller countries