Globally, 86 percent of the new generating capacity was renewable in 2025

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) published its latest findings on renewable energy developments for the year 2025, revealing a striking trend. Solar power has emerged as the foremost catalyst for transformation in the energy landscape worldwide. According to the report, an impressive average of 1.4 gigawatts of solar capacity was installed daily throughout the year, culminating in a total of 511 gigawatts. This surge has elevated the global solar capacity to a staggering 2.4 terawatts, firmly establishing it as the largest source of renewable energy, surpassing both wind and hydro power by over a terawatt. While the installed capacity is noteworthy, it’s important to note that actual power generation will typically fall short of this rated capacity. The declining costs of solar panels have enabled installations even in regions that receive minimal sunlight—areas where solar energy was once a less viable option just five years ago. As a result, the capacity factor, which measures energy production relative to capacity, is expected to decrease in the coming years. Although the power generation statistics for 2025 are still pending, data from 2024 indicates that solar energy contributed to 7 percent of global electricity production, while wind and nuclear power accounted for 8 percent and 9 percent, respectively. This is particularly notable given that solar capacity is nearly double that of wind. Despite its lower capacity factor, solar energy is rapidly gaining ground. Current projections suggest that solar may soon become the second-largest contributor to carbon-free electricity, following hydropower. If it hasn't already achieved this milestone, it is highly anticipated that this will occur before the decade concludes.