Breadcrumbs
2023's record solar surge explained in six charts
Global solar power capacity skyrocketed in 2023, leading to a rapid acceleration of clean power revolution. The solar surge is not just about the remarkable growth in China, as more gigawatt-scale solar markets are emerging and the vast potential of the sunniest countries is ready to be unleashed.
The global objective of tripling renewable capacity within the next decade is not only feasible but increasingly attainable. Accelerating renewables deployment further and achieving the tripling goal bring an unprecedented opportunity for growth and development while simultaneously reducing emissions. This includes reduced economic and security risks associated with volatile energy markets and climate change.
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Credit: Quang Ngoc Nguyen
Solar capacity additions surged 74% in 2023, reaching a record 346 GW annual additions. China was the key driver behind the acceleration but solar’s phenomenal growth is spreading globally, with 28 countries installing over one gigawatt of new capacity in 2023. While more countries are taking advantage of cheap solar prices to bring affordable clean power, the vast but so far largely untapped potential of the sunniest countries can further accelerate the global clean power revolution, thus bringing the global goal of tripling renewables by 2030 within reach.