Solar Power Leads Global Energy Growth as Renewable Demand Accelerates
Solar energy has officially become the world’s fastest-growing source of new electricity generation, according to the latest data released by the International Energy Agency.
New figures from the agency’s Global Energy Review 2026 show that rising electricity demand throughout 2025 was met largely by renewable technologies, with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems leading the expansion for the first time. The IEA reported that solar PV alone accounted for around 27% of global energy supply growth last year, ahead of natural gas, wind and coal. (IEA)
The report highlights a major shift in the global energy sector as countries increasingly invest in cleaner electricity systems to support growing demand from homes, businesses, electric vehicles, artificial intelligence infrastructure and large-scale data centres. Global electricity demand rose sharply again in 2025, continuing a trend driven by electrification across transport, heating and digital industries. (IEA)
According to the IEA, solar generation increased by approximately 600 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2025 — the largest annual increase ever recorded for any electricity generation technology outside of post-crisis economic rebounds. Solar now provides more than 8% of total global electricity generation, more than doubling its contribution compared with 2022 levels. (IEA)
Renewables and nuclear power together supplied nearly 60% of the increase in global energy demand, while renewable electricity capacity worldwide grew to a record 5,149 gigawatts in 2025. Solar installations alone added more than 500 GW of new capacity globally during the year. (Reuters)
Industry analysts say falling installation costs and improved battery storage technologies are continuing to accelerate solar adoption across both domestic and commercial sectors. The IEA estimates global investment in solar technology will reach approximately USD $450 billion annually, making it the single largest area of energy investment worldwide. (IEA)
The growth of renewable technologies is also reshaping opportunities within the electrical industry. As governments and businesses push towards lower-carbon energy systems, demand is expected to increase for electricians and engineers trained in solar PV systems, battery storage, EV charging infrastructure and energy-efficiency technologies.
The UK solar market has also expanded significantly in recent years, with solar contributing a growing share of national electricity generation. Across Europe, solar and wind generation have already overtaken fossil fuels in several regions, reflecting wider changes taking place across the global power sector. (IEA)
For apprentices, trainees and electricians entering the trade, the transition towards renewable energy is expected to create long-term demand for specialist skills across both residential and commercial projects. Industry bodies say the sector will increasingly require qualified professionals capable of installing, maintaining and integrating modern low-carbon technologies as electricity systems continue to evolve worldwide.
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