10 Charts Highlight Clean Energy’s Continuing Success

The clean energy sector has experienced a remarkable year, reflecting both significant progress and positive trends. As we approach the end of 2025, it’s important to highlight ten key charts showcasing the continued success of clean energy, particularly in the United States and globally.

U.S. Power Capacity Growth

In 2024, the United States added 56 gigawatts of new power capacity. Nearly all of this growth stemmed from renewable sources, such as solar and wind, alongside battery and nuclear technologies.

• Solar energy alone contributed 34 gigawatts, more than half of the total additions.
• Batteries nearly doubled their installation figures compared to the previous year.

Significant Milestone in March

March marked a historic moment for clean energy in the U.S. Clean sources, including solar, hydropower, biofuels, and nuclear, delivered 51% of the electricity demand.

• Fossil fuels covered the remaining portion of the demand.
• This achievement came during a low-demand period as temperatures moderated, impacting energy consumption patterns.

Transition in Steelmaking

The steel and iron industries are making gradual progress in reducing their reliance on coal. Innovative projects are set to employ cleaner technologies.

• Electric arc furnaces are being developed, capable of producing millions of metric tons of steel annually without coal.
• Future plans may incorporate carbon-free hydrogen instead of natural gas in the steelmaking process.

Global Investments in Clean Energy

By mid-2025, global investments in renewable energy and clean technologies reached $2.2 trillion. This substantial financial commitment reflects a significant shift.

• Fossil fuels are expected to account for approximately $1.1 trillion of total investments.
• This marks a dramatic change compared to a decade ago, where fossil fuel investments dominated the energy landscape.

Europe’s Solar Milestone

June 2025 saw a groundbreaking achievement in Europe, where solar power became the leading source of electricity. For the first time, it surpassed both gas and coal combined.

• Solar power contributed 22.2% of the electricity in the EU.
• Nuclear and wind energy similarly outperformed gas generation.

This transition is a sharp contrast to a decade ago, when coal generated a quarter of the region’s power and solar energy was hardly a blip on the radar.

Conclusion

The data clearly illustrates the momentum behind the clean energy transition. As advancements continue and investments grow, the future looks bright for renewable energy sources.