Solar Power Becomes World's Leading Energy Source for New Capacity, IEA Reports
By
Klaster_1
Kettled twice. Extra chewy, extra trustworthy.
Summary
The International Energy Agency's 2026 Global Energy Review reveals that solar power has become the world's leading source of new energy capacity, surpassing all other energy sources for the first time. While overall global energy demand growth slowed to 1.3% in 2025 due to weaker economic growth, milder weather, and efficiency gains, electricity demand surged significantly. This electricity growth is primarily driven by electric vehicles and data centers. Solar energy led the expansion, marking a historic milestone in the global energy transition.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledGlobal energy demand growth slowed in 2025 – but electricity use is still surging, and solar just hit a major milestone, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
According to the IEA’s newly released 2026 Global Energy Review, overall energy demand rose 1.3% last year.
But zoom in on electricity, and it’s a very different story.
Solar led global energy growth in 2025 as electricity demand surged, driven by EVs and data centers, the IEA says.
You might also wanna read
Wind and solar surpass gas in global electricity generation for first time in April 2026
For the first time ever, wind and solar generated more electricity globally than gas in April 2026. According to Ember, wind and solar produ
electrek.co·20h ago
Global clean energy investment hits $2.3 trillion, outpacing fossil fuels for second year
Global clean energy investment surpassed $2.3 trillion last year, outpacing fossil-fuel spending for the second year in a row. Solar and win
leahy.substack.com·1d ago
Solar and wind power dominate Africa's new energy projects as continent shifts from coal and hydro
Africa's energy sector is rapidly shifting from coal and large hydropower dams toward solar, wind, and battery storage projects. New data sh
apnews.com·2d ago
U.S. Energy Storage Installations Hit Record 9.7 GWh in Q1 2026, Driven by Energy Security Concerns
The U.S. energy storage industry installed 9.7 GWh of new capacity in Q1 2026, marking the strongest first quarter on record with a 32% year
cleantechnica.com·4h ago
Africa's Hidden Solar Boom: Import Data Reveals 4x More Capacity Than Official Reports Show
Africa imported 18.2 GW of solar modules in 2025 but only reported 4.5 GW of new solar installations, suggesting a massive hidden market. Th
cleantechnica.com·2d ago
Africa's energy shift: Solar and wind projects overtake coal and hydropower, industry leaders say
Africa's energy sector is undergoing a major shift as governments and investors increasingly favor solar, wind, and battery storage projects
wtop.com·4d ago