Image Courtesy: Springwell Solar Farm
Solar energy has become the leading source of growth in global energy supply, marking a significant milestone in the transition toward cleaner power. The shift comes as electricity demand continues to rise faster than overall energy consumption worldwide.
The development was highlighted in the latest report from the International Energy Agency, which found that solar accounted for more than 25 percent of total energy supply growth in 2025. This is the first time a renewable source has taken the top position in global primary energy expansion, according to Electrek.
While overall energy demand increased by 1.3 percent last year, electricity demand grew much faster at around 3 percent. This rise is being driven by expanding electrification in industry and buildings, increased adoption of electric vehicles, and growing power needs from data centers.
Renewables and nuclear energy together met nearly 60 percent of the increase in global energy demand. In fact, clean electricity generation exceeded the total growth in electricity use, indicating that low-emissions sources were sufficient to cover new demand.
Solar’s rapid expansion was supported by record additions in generation capacity, contributing roughly 600 terawatt-hours of new electricity production in 2025. Battery storage also saw significant growth, with around 110 gigawatts of new capacity added, reflecting increased investment in grid flexibility and energy storage.
Fossil fuel demand trends were more mixed. Natural gas remained the second-largest contributor to energy supply growth, while oil demand rose modestly by 0.7 percent. The continued rise in electric vehicle sales, which surpassed 20 million units in 2025, has begun to moderate demand for gasoline and diesel.
Coal usage varied by region. In China, expanding renewable capacity reduced reliance on coal-fired power generation, while in the United States, higher natural gas prices led to increased coal use in some sectors.
Global carbon dioxide emissions grew by approximately 0.4 percent, a slower rate than in previous years. Some regions, including China, saw emissions decline due to increased use of low-emissions technologies, while others experienced temporary increases linked to weather conditions and fuel price shifts.
Fatih Birol, executive director of the IEA, noted that electricity consumption is expanding rapidly, with solar energy growing faster than any other source. The data suggests that structural changes in the energy system are accelerating, even amid economic uncertainty and geopolitical challenges.
The findings indicate that renewable energy technologies are beginning to significantly influence global energy patterns, reducing reliance on fossil fuels while supporting rising electricity demand.