Global electricity generation continued shifting towards cleaner energy sources between 2024 and 2025, with solar power recording the largest increase in output, according to the International Energy Agency's Global Energy Review 2026.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) generation rose sharply from about 450 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2024 to around 600 TWh in 2025, making it the fastest-growing source of electricity worldwide.
Wind power also posted steady growth, increasing to about 200 TWh.
Coal-fired electricity generation declined during the period, reflecting the ongoing transition away from fossil fuels.
Hydropower growth slowed considerably compared with the previous year, while natural gas and nuclear power registered modest gains.
Oil-based electricity generation remained relatively low.
The report highlights the accelerating global shift towards renewable energy, driven by expanding investment in solar and wind technologies, supportive government policies and rising electricity demand.
The trend underscores growing efforts to reduce carbon emissions while improving energy security through cleaner and more sustainable sources of power.
