Overview
- The IEA’s annual review published Monday found solar supplied over a quarter of 2025’s global energy growth, the first time a modern renewable led the increase.
- A separate Ember analysis released Tuesday reported clean generation rose by 887 TWh and exceeded the 849 TWh rise in electricity demand, with renewables’ share edging past coal for the first time.
- IEA data show solar generation grew by about 600 TWh in 2025 and battery storage capacity expanded by roughly 110 GW, which helps shift daytime solar power to evening hours.
- Regional paths diverged as China and India met most new demand with renewables and nuclear, while the United States saw demand growth largely met by fossil fuels due to gas‑to‑coal switching and rising data‑center loads.
- Global energy‑related CO2 rose about 0.4% in 2025, with declines in China and flat emissions in India, and energy‑security risks in the Middle East strengthened the case for faster renewable deployment.