Solar energy met 75% of the net growth in global electricity demand last year, according to the CEO of the Global Solar Council.
Sonia Dunlop told Anadolu that the pace of solar energy installations has accelerated sharply over the past decade.
She described the expansion of solar installations as "massive and extraordinary," noting that the sector broke records again last year.
Global renewable energy installations are expected to grow and their share in electricity generation will increase further, Dunlop added.
"In 2025, 75% of the net increase in global electricity demand was met by solar alone. To put this into perspective, solar generation last year was sufficient to replace gas-fired electricity equivalent to all LNG exports passing through the Strait of Hormuz," she explained.
Dunlop highlighted several factors supporting this development, noting that advancements in batteries and declining costs are among the most important drivers.
She noted that the reduction in equipment and installation costs in the solar sector has been the main force behind its rapid global expansion.
"Solar photovoltaic (PV) costs have fallen by 90% since 2010, making solar the cheapest source of new electricity generation in most countries," she said, adding that a second key factor is the rapid integration of battery storage alongside solar energy.
Global battery storage capacity grew by 40% in 2025, making it the fastest-growing energy technology today.
Dunlop added that a third factor supporting the growth in solar energy is the democratization of solar energy through rooftop and distributed installations, which has driven strong growth in countries with diverse market dynamics such as India, Brazil, Pakistan, and Germany.
- Renewables surpass coal for first time
Emphasizing that solar energy systems have saved governments and consumers billions of dollars during the current fossil fuel crisis, Dunlop said demand for solar products continues to rise rapidly in many markets.
Renewable energy sources have overtaken coal in global electricity generation for the first time, marking a major milestone in the energy transition, Dunlop said.
She stated that coal's share fell below one-third, while solar energy drove the shift with 30% annual growth and the largest share of new capacity.
She described the transition as a "critical turning point" and said the dominance of fossil fuels in electricity is ending.
However, she warned that outdated grid infrastructure is the biggest obstacle to expanding renewable energy capacity, with many projects delayed due to connection constraints.
Dunlop also highlighted high financing costs in developing countries as a key challenge, stressing the need to ensure the transition benefits all countries.
By Gulsen Cagatay
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr
