Global renewable power capacity reached 5,149GW in 2025, driven largely by what energy source?

Global renewable power capacity reached a significant milestone in 2025, expanding to 5,149 gigawatts (GW) worldwide. This remarkable surge was overwhelmingly driven by solar power, which accounted for approximately three-quarters of all new renewable installations during the year. In 2025 alone, around 510 to 511 GW of solar capacity was added globally, significantly outpacing other clean energy sources. This pushed the total global solar capacity to nearly 2,392 GW by year-end, solidifying its position as the leading renewable technology.

The rapid expansion of solar energy can be attributed to several factors. Decreasing module costs have made solar installations more economically attractive, while increasingly efficient permitting processes have streamlined development. Furthermore, widespread social acceptance of solar technology has contributed to its accelerated adoption, both in large-scale utility projects and smaller, distributed applications like residential and commercial installations.

The year 2025 marked a pivotal moment for the clean energy transition, with renewables making up about 49% of the world's total installed power capacity and comprising 85.6% of all new power additions. This substantial growth, largely spearheaded by solar, highlights a global commitment to reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing energy security. Experts anticipate that renewables, with solar as a primary contributor, will surpass coal to become the largest source of electricity generation globally by the end of 2025 or early 2026.