The World Added 4 GW of New Solar Capacity for Every GW of Wind in 2025, but Wind Is Gaining

Why It Matters

The accelerating wind build‑out signals a shift toward more balanced renewable growth, reducing reliance on gas and strengthening energy security worldwide.

Key Takeaways

• 647 GW solar added in 2025, 11% YoY growth.
• 167 GW wind added, 47% YoY increase.
• Solar‑to‑wind ratio fell to 3.9 : 1.
• Capacity could offset $138 bn of annual gas imports.
• Ember launches data explorer API for real‑time capacity tracking.

Pulse Analysis

The 2025 capacity surge underscores how renewable energy is reshaping the global power landscape. Solar installations still dominate, contributing 647 GW, but their growth rate of 11% marks a deceleration after years of rapid expansion. Wind, by contrast, posted a 47% year‑over‑year increase, adding 167 GW and pulling the solar‑to‑wind ratio down to 3.9 : 1. Together, these technologies now provide over 4 terawatts of generation potential, enough to offset more than one‑seventh of worldwide gas‑fired electricity, translating into roughly $138 billion of avoided import costs.

Wind’s momentum is driven largely by record offshore projects, which have benefitted from falling turbine costs and supportive policy frameworks. The surge in offshore capacity not only boosts total wind additions but also improves capacity factors, making wind a more reliable complement to solar’s daytime generation. This diversification helps utilities and governments meet decarbonisation targets while mitigating exposure to volatile fossil‑fuel markets. Moreover, the rapid scaling of wind infrastructure signals growing investor confidence and could accelerate the rollout of grid‑scale storage solutions needed to balance intermittent generation.

Despite these gains, fossil fuels remain a substantial part of the electricity mix. Coal’s share fell to just over 34% of global generation, yet its absolute output stayed near historic highs, delivering 10,539 TWh in 2025—far above the 8,052 TWh recorded in 2007. Ember’s new Capacity Data Explorer and API give analysts granular, country‑level insights into these dynamics, enabling better forecasting and policy design as the world strives for a cleaner, more resilient energy system.