Renewables Supplied All New Global Electricity Demand in 2025, Solar Drove 75% of Growth

Context Renewable power sources fully met all new global electricity demand in 2025, according to the energy think tank Ember's Global Electricity Review 2026. This development represents a significant milestone, as clean energy sources, for the first time, completely covered the world's increasing need for electricity. This achievement pushed the overall share of global power generated by renewables to 33.8 percent, surpassing coal.

Key Facts Solar energy accounted for 75 percent of the global electricity demand growth. This substantial contribution from solar, alongside other renewables, coincided with a decrease in electricity generated by fossil fuels. Fossil fuel generation declined for the first time since 2020, a year marked by the rapid global economic slowdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The increasing deployment of battery storage systems plays a critical role in accelerating solar power's integration into grids. Battery costs dropped 20 percent in 2024 and an additional 45 percent in 2025. This cost reduction, coupled with a 46 percent growth in deployed battery power last year, allows for solar energy generated during daylight hours to be utilized at all times.

What It Means This shift in electricity generation underscores a broader global movement. The Iran war and resulting geopolitical dynamics have impacted energy markets. Energy industry sources and analysts predict these events will further accelerate the rollout of wind and solar power. Nations are increasingly seeking to insulate themselves from fossil fuel supply shocks, driving sustained investment in renewable infrastructure. This strategic pivot highlights a growing global emphasis on energy independence and market stability.

The rapid advancements in battery technology further solidify the viability and expansion of intermittent renewable sources. This trajectory indicates a sustained commitment to decarbonization and a move away from reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets.

Observers will now monitor how rapidly these trends evolve and what further technological and policy shifts accelerate the global energy transition in the coming year.