Solar Power Overtakes Nuclear as Global Energy Shifts Toward a Brighter Future -EQ
In Short : In April 2025, solar power surpassed nuclear energy for the first time, contributing 10% to global electricity generation. This milestone reflects a 34% year-on-year growth in solar output, driven by rapid capacity expansion, especially in China. Solar is now the fourth-largest power source globally, signaling its rising dominance and the urgent need for energy storage and grid upgrades.
In Detail : In April 2025, solar power reached a historic milestone by contributing 10% to global electricity generation, overtaking nuclear energy for the first time. This marked a significant shift in the global energy landscape, highlighting solar’s rapid growth and increasing relevance as a primary power source.
The surge in solar output represents a 34% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This growth is largely attributed to the continuous addition of utility-scale solar capacity worldwide. Over the past five years, the total installed capacity for solar energy has nearly tripled, pushing global figures to approximately 1,866 gigawatts.
Solar’s peak monthly generation is projected to exceed 260 terawatt-hours during the summer, compared to nuclear’s average of 223 terawatt-hours. This increase in output reflects solar’s growing dominance among clean energy sources, especially during high-sunlight months, and solidifies its role in decarbonizing global power grids.
China played a crucial role in this global shift. In April alone, wind and solar together provided 26% of the country’s electricity. This marks a record for China and showcases the potential impact of large-scale renewable adoption in major economies.
Ember’s data further reveals that solar has surpassed wind in terms of peak generation and is now challenging hydroelectric power on a monthly basis. Despite its growth, solar’s variability continues to present challenges, underscoring the need for investment in energy storage and grid modernization.
The April 2025 figures emphasize that solar is no longer an emerging technology but a central pillar of the global energy mix. Its overtaking of nuclear power signals a decisive move toward cleaner, scalable, and more sustainable electricity generation worldwide.
