Solar Energy Leads Global Power Growth for First Time

For the first time ever outside of a recession, renewable energy became the world's largest source of new power supply in 2025. Solar panels are now powering this clean energy revolution, contributing nearly three-quarters of all new energy growth as the world consumed more power than ever before.

The Energy Institute Statistical Review of World Energy 2026 reveals that global energy supply topped 600 exajoules last year, growing by 1.7%. Solar power expanded by an impressive 30%, now generating 8.7% of the world's electricity and overtaking wind for the first time.

Wind energy didn't slow down either, growing 8.2% and providing 8.4% of global electricity. Together, these clean energy sources are nearly matching nuclear power's contribution and reshaping how the world generates electricity.

The surge in electricity demand comes from exciting new technologies. Electric vehicles are hitting roads in record numbers, data centers are expanding to meet our digital needs, and artificial intelligence is transforming industries worldwide.

Solar panels alone now provide almost 9% of the planet's electricity, a milestone that seemed distant just a decade ago. Wind turbines continue their steady climb, proving that multiple renewable sources can grow together.

The Ripple Effect

This renewable energy boom is creating momentum that reaches far beyond power generation. Countries around the world are investing in smarter electricity grids and better battery storage to handle all this clean power.

The report shows that clean energy technology is advancing faster than supporting infrastructure, which means there's huge opportunity for innovation in energy storage and grid flexibility. Communities everywhere are benefiting from cleaner air and new green jobs as renewable projects expand.

China led the charge in offshore wind development, adding 78% of new global capacity in 2025. This kind of leadership is inspiring other nations to accelerate their own renewable projects.

The challenge ahead is clear: electricity grids and storage systems need to catch up with the record-breaking pace of solar and wind deployment. Investment in these supporting technologies must accelerate to fully capture the potential of all this clean energy.

This historic shift proves that renewable energy isn't just the future anymore—it's becoming the present.