Gas turbines and combined cycle: Overview
Jet-engine technology that makes a fifth of the world's power
Jet-engine technology that makes a fifth of the world's power What this tile covers Turbines burning gas directly, alone for peaking or with a steam turbine on the exhaust. Share of use 7.9% share of final energy use (2025)Share of world total final energy consumption (about 435 EJ, calculated: motor systems 13,462 TWh are 53% of electricity, so about 25,400 TWh or 91 EJ, and electricity is about 21% of final energy) that passes through this device or is used by this sector, latest year available. Electricity-based devices use electricity's 21% share of final energy (IEA WEO 2025). Overlaps between devices and sectors are allowed and noted. Gas made 21% of world electricity (about 4.4% of final energy, calculated) plus jet engines burning aviation fuel, 8.6% of oil's 40.4% share of final energy in 2019 (about 3.5%); total about 7.9% (calculated). Mixes electricity output and jet fuel input; some gas power uses boilers or engines instead. Overlaps aviation and steam turbines (combined cycle). Source: Global Energy Review 2026: Electricity supply, International Energy Agency.
Key facts
| Chain | Chemical (gas) → heat → gas turbine → electrical; exhaust heat → steam → electrical |
Included from the reference tables
- Combined-cycle gas plant
- Open-cycle / peaker plant
- Jet engines
Linked to the material world
Gas Natural gasNi NickelAlso in Conversion devices
ST Steam turbines and thermal power plantsICE Internal combustion engines and gensetsGen Generators and alternatorsMot Electric motors and drivesPE Transformers and power electronicsFC Fuel cellsElz ElectrolysersHP Heat pumps, air conditioning and refrigerationEH Electric heatingLED Lighting and displaysBlr Boilers, furnaces and stovesExplore paths from here
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