Solar power surge drives global growth in clean energy, but targets remain out of reach
The world added a record amount of renewable electricity in 2024, driven mostly by China’s rapid solar expansion, but still fell short of international goals to triple capacity by 2030.
Seth Borenstein reports for The Associated Press.
In short:
- Renewable sources made up over 92% of all new electricity capacity added globally in 2024, with China responsible for nearly two-thirds of it.
- China added more solar power in one year than the U.S. has in total, pushing its solar capacity to nearly 887 billion watts.
- The world is not on track to meet climate goals set in 2023 and is expected to fall 28% short of the 2030 target.
Key quote:
“Renewable energy is powering down the fossil fuel age. Record-breaking growth is creating jobs, lowering energy bills and cleaning our air.”
— António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General
Why this matters:
Even as solar panels sprout across rooftops and wind turbines dot coastlines and plains, the transition to clean energy is not moving fast enough to meet the urgency of the climate crisis. Global renewable energy capacity is indeed rising, with China now leading the charge, particularly in solar production. But the rapid expansion in some countries also highlights the sluggish pace elsewhere.
Scientists warn that without a dramatic acceleration, the world risks locking in decades of heatwaves, floods, fires, and food insecurity—climate impacts that are already hitting vulnerable communities hardest. Clean energy isn't just a climate issue; it's intertwined with air quality, water safety, and chronic health conditions like asthma and heart disease. As fossil fuels are burned, they pollute the very air we breathe. Yet in Washington, the political winds have shifted again. Under President Trump, the U.S. has scaled back climate diplomacy and watered down environmental rules, a move that could have lasting consequences for international momentum.
Read more: Solar power surges ahead despite political opposition
