Solar Power Drives Record Growth in Global Clean Energy Transition

Solar capacity has doubled in three years, contributing to clean energy surpassing 40% of global electricity generation for the first time since the 1940s.

• Solar power has been the fastest-growing energy source globally for 20 consecutive years, according to the Ember energy thinktank.
• Clean energy sources, including solar, wind, and hydro, accounted for over 40% of global electricity generation last year, marking a historic milestone.
• Despite rapid growth, solar power contributed only 7% of global electricity in 2024, compared to 8% from wind and 14% from hydropower.
• A surge in solar and wind energy is expected to outpace rising global electricity demand driven by technologies like AI, data centers, EVs, and heat pumps.
• Heatwaves in 2023 temporarily increased fossil fuel use, leading to a 1.6% rise in emissions, but experts predict renewables will continue to displace fossil fuels in the long term.

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