Photovoltaic energy consolidates its global leadership: produced 10% of global electricity in 2024 – Noticias Ambientales

Recibe las noticias más leídas de la semana directamente en tu email
Respetamos tu privacidad. Puedes darte de baja en cualquier momento.

Photovoltaic energy is experiencing an unprecedented expansion phase and is positioning itself as one of the pillars of the global energy system.
By the end of 2024, the accumulated installed capacity reached 2,260 GW, a volume sufficient to cover at least 10% of the global electricity demand during 2025.
Moreover, the last year broke records again, as between 553 and 601 GW of new power were added. Thus, the growth far exceeded that of 2023 and doubled the pace recorded just two years earlier.
This sustained progress reflects a transition that is no longer marginal but structural, driven by political decisions, technological innovation and unprecedented industrial scales.

With a capacity exceeding 2.2 terawatts at the start of 2025, photovoltaics allowed for the generation of around 2,950 TWh of solar electricity in 2024. Consequently, the emission of more than 1 billion tons of carbon dioxide was avoided.
This volume is equivalent to about 2.8% of all global energy emissions, reinforcing the role of solar energy in mitigating climate change. Thus, photovoltaics has ceased to be a promise to become a concrete tool for decarbonization.
The accelerated growth is explained by the combination of more demanding climate policies, the sharp drop in module costs and the industrial strategies adopted in China to absorb its enormous manufacturing capacity.
However, the progress also exposed limits of the current electrical system. During 2024, record levels of energy dumping were recorded in several countries, highlighting the need to strengthen networks, storage and demand flexibility.
At the same time, the industry faced strong economic turbulence. The overcapacity initiated in 2023 led to extremely low module prices, putting the viability of numerous manufacturers at risk.
Towards the end of 2024, signs of stabilization began to appear, although the balance between expansion and industrial sustainability remains a central challenge.
China remained the main driver of growth, with between 309 and 357 GW installed only in 2024, representing about 60% of the new global additions. Next, the European Union added 66 GW, with Germany, Spain, Italy, France, and Poland as standout markets.
Meanwhile, the United States added 47 GW, while India incorporated 32 GW. Together, about 35 countries already operate annual markets at the gigawatt scale, and more than 40 exceed 4 GW accumulated. This geographical diversification consolidates photovoltaics as a truly global technology.
In the technological field, efficiency continued to improve. N-type technology represented 70% of global production, and bifacial modules exceeded 75% of global manufacturing.
At the same time, dual-use applications such as agrivoltaics, floating photovoltaics, and integration into infrastructures gained prominence, allowing for the compatibility of energy, land, and food. Meanwhile, green hydrogen and ammonia projects based on solar are advancing.
Finally, the social impact also grew. Employment linked to the sector reached 9.1 million jobs in 2024, consolidating photovoltaics as a central, present, and active piece of the global energy transition.
Compartí esta nota