Science Names Renewable Energy Surge as 2025 Breakthrough of the Year
Renewables surpassed coal as a source of electricity worldwide in 2025, with solar and wind growth covering the entire increase in global electricity use from January to June.[2] China’s solar power generation grew over 20-fold in the past decade, installing new solar and wind equivalent to 100 nuclear plants in 2024 alone, while exporting $180 billion in green energy tech.[2] Rooftop solar imports soared in Africa and South Asia for affordable power, amid unstoppable renewables momentum.[2]
Record $386 Billion in Renewable Investments in First Half of 2025 Despite Policy Headwinds
Global renewable energy investments hit $386 billion in H1 2025, up 10% year-on-year, with solar at $252 billion led by small-scale projects while utility-scale solar and onshore wind asset finance fell 13% due to adverse policies.[4] Key markets like India ($11.8 billion with solar-wind-storage auctions), Saudi Arabia (2.6 GW solar deal), and Germany (strong wind and solar) drove growth.[4] Solar and wind capacity additions rose over 60% year-on-year, with renewables producing more electricity than coal for the first time.[7]
US Clean Energy Resilient Amid Trump Rollbacks: Solar and Storage Dominate 85% of New Grid Additions
Despite Trump administration rollbacks stripping tax breaks, canceling grants, and boosting fossil fuels, solar and battery storage accounted for 85% of new US grid power in the first nine months of 2025.[5] Experts remain optimistic due to strong economics, high demand from data centers, and quick deployment, with renewables comprising 93% of US capacity growth through September.[5][8] States are expected to drive 2026 momentum via streamlined permitting for grid connections.[5]