Solar to Dominate Global Electricity Generation by 2030
Renewable energy, particularly solar, is set to dominate global electricity generation by the end of the decade. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts solar will account for nearly 80% of the 4.6 TW of renewable energy added globally in the second half of the 2020s.
Solar's rise is remarkable. By 2030, it's expected to overtake hydropower as the largest renewable energy source, providing nearly 43% of the world's electricity. The IEA forecasts around 3.6 TW of solar to be installed between 2025 and 2030.
However, growth may slow slightly between 2026 and 2028, due to policy changes in key markets like China and the United States. The IEA's latest report predicts 248 GW less renewable capacity than previously forecast, with solar accounting for over 70% of this reduction. The U.S. alone is expected to see 140 GW less solar installations by 2030.
Despite these adjustments, solar's growth remains robust. The IEA predicts record years for solar additions in 2025 and 2029, nearing or exceeding 600 GW. By 2030, solar is expected to be installed at a rate close to 700 GW. This growth, while slowed, still indicates a strong global commitment to renewable energy.
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