The world’s energy supply surpassed 600 exajoules (EJ) in 2025, rising 1.7% from the previous year, according to the 75th edition of the Statistical Review of World Energy. For the first time outside an economic downturn, renewables—led by solar—became the largest source of energy supply growth, though fossil fuels retained an 86% share of total supply, driving a 1.1% increase in global CO₂ emissions.
Solar Dominates Renewables Expansion
Solar power accounted for 71% of the growth in renewable energy supply in 2025, expanding by 30% year-on-year and reaching an 8.7% share of global electricity generation. This growth propelled solar past wind power (8.4%) and nearly matched nuclear energy’s 8.8% share. Wind energy remained the second-largest contributor to renewables growth, with an 8.2% increase.
The rapid adoption of solar was particularly evident in regions facing energy instability. In Pakistan, behind-the-meter and off-grid solar capacity surged from 2.1 gigawatts (GW) in 2021 to 23.4 GW in 2025, boosting solar’s share of electricity generation from 3% to 22%. The Statistical Review attributed this growth to falling solar panel prices, tax-free imports, and rising energy costs, which prompted the government to cancel liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes for 2026–2027 and renegotiate long-term contracts.
Fossil Fuels Persist Amid Renewables Growth
Despite the expansion of renewables, fossil fuels continued to dominate global energy supply. Coal, oil, and gas all registered increases in 2025, with coal consumption rising in the U.S. and India. The U.S. saw a 10% increase in coal use, while India’s coal consumption grew by 0.6%, below its 10-year average of 3.6%. China’s coal consumption remained flat, and its oil and diesel use declined for the second consecutive year, a trend linked to the country’s shift toward electric vehicles.