Solar leads global energy growth for first time, IEA reports

Tuesday 21 April 2026 - 10:00

By: Dakir Madiha

Solar leads global energy growth for first time, IEA reports

International Energy Agency reported that solar power became the largest contributor to global energy supply growth in 2025, marking the first time a modern renewable source has led expansion in primary energy demand. Solar accounted for more than 25 percent of the increase in global energy consumption, according to the agency’s latest annual assessment of worldwide energy trends.

The report shows global energy-related CO2 emissions rose by about 0.4 percent in 2025, continuing a longer-term slowdown in emissions growth despite reaching a record level above 38 billion tonnes. The data reflects a system in transition, where demand continues to rise but cleaner technologies are absorbing a growing share of that increase.

Solar photovoltaic generation recorded its largest annual increase on record, rising by 600 terawatt-hours. This single source covered roughly 70 percent of the global growth in electricity generation, pushing total solar output to nearly 2,700 terawatt-hours, more than double its level in 2022. Global renewable capacity additions reached 800 gigawatts, with solar accounting for about three quarters of that expansion.

Battery storage emerged as the fastest-growing energy technology, with capacity additions rising about 40 percent to nearly 110 gigawatts. This exceeded the highest annual expansion ever recorded for natural gas capacity. Natural gas remained the second-largest contributor to energy demand growth at 17 percent, while low-emission sources collectively met nearly 60 percent of total demand growth.

Electric vehicle adoption played a key role in limiting oil demand. Global EV sales increased by more than 20 percent, surpassing 20 million units and representing roughly one in four new car sales. This growth kept the increase in oil demand to about 0.7 percent, well below historical averages.

Regional trends showed diverging emissions patterns. Emissions declined in China by about 0.5 percent, supported by rapid renewable deployment and structural shifts in industry. In India, emissions remained stable for the first time in decades under normal economic conditions, aided by favorable weather and clean energy growth. In contrast, advanced economies saw emissions rise due to colder weather and higher gas consumption.

The agency estimates that clean energy technologies deployed since 2019, including solar, wind, nuclear power, electric vehicles and heat pumps, now avoid around 3 billion tonnes of CO2 annually, equivalent to nearly 8 percent of global emissions. Reduced coal demand alone exceeds total coal consumption in India in 2025, while avoided natural gas demand approaches half of global liquefied natural gas exports. Executive director Fatih Birol said electricity demand is growing faster than overall energy demand, with solar advancing more rapidly than any other source.