# Surprising trends in global electricity generation

- Show: [Catalyst](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst)
- Published: 2026-06-04
- Length: 44m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-06-04-surprising-trends-in-global-electricity-generation

## Summary

Nic Fulghum, a senior energy and climate data analyst at Ember, discusses findings from Ember’s Global Electricity Review, highlighting that solar generation grew by 30% year-over-year in 2025, maintaining exponential growth despite market maturity. He explains that global fossil generation declined for the first time since 2020, driven by drops in coal use in China and India, as renewables increasingly meet demand. Fulghum also details how grid-connected batteries are shifting midday solar peaks to shoulder hours, with countries like Australia and Chile leading in integration, while the US lags behind.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-06-04-surprising-trends-in-global-electricity-generation#t=7) Introduction: Shayle Kann and Nic Fulghum on Global Electricity Trends
- [4:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-06-04-surprising-trends-in-global-electricity-generation#t=242) Solar Generation Growth: 30% YoY Increase and Exponential Curves
- [10:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-06-04-surprising-trends-in-global-electricity-generation#t=622) Fossil Generation Decline in China and India
- [14:32](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-06-04-surprising-trends-in-global-electricity-generation#t=872) China's Coal Capacity vs. Generation and Curtailment Issues
- [21:42](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-06-04-surprising-trends-in-global-electricity-generation#t=1302) Nuclear Buildout in China and Flexibility Challenges
- [26:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-06-04-surprising-trends-in-global-electricity-generation#t=1580) India's Different Trajectory: Lower Energy Intensity and Faster Renewables
- [31:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-06-04-surprising-trends-in-global-electricity-generation#t=1875) Battery Storage Integration: Global Ratios and Market Dynamics
- [41:45](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-06-04-surprising-trends-in-global-electricity-generation#t=2505) Natural Gas Trends: US Supply Glut vs. Global Importer Shifts

## Topics

- [Energy & climate tech](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/energy-and-climate-tech)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Ember (company)
- EnergyHub (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Like a steam engine in your house](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2025-04-15-like-a-steam-engine-in-your-house) (The Amp Hour)
- [213: Electricity Doesn't Act Like an Apple](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-08-31-213-electricity-doesnt-act-like-an-apple) (Embedded.fm)

## Citing this page

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