The Unexpected Resurgence of Renewable Energy
A Shift in Power Dynamics
A fascinating twist has unfolded in the renewable energy landscape, particularly in the context of President Donald Trump’s efforts to dismantle renewable energy initiatives. Contrary to expectations, solar and wind energy use is not only flourishing in the United States, but it has also seen a remarkable surge globally.
Global Growth of Renewable Energy
According to a recent analysis by Ember Energy Research, a staggering 109% increase in solar and wind electricity generation was documented worldwide in the last year. This ascendancy caused renewable sources to eclipse coal for the first time, showcasing their emergence as a fundamental energy supplier. The driving force behind this growth was primarily led by nations like China, with significant contributions from India, Brazil, Vietnam, and several African countries, including Kenya and Mozambique. Notably, experts assert that much of Africa is now prioritizing solar and wind energy as it embarks on electrifying regions and industries, effectively bypassing traditional fossil fuels.
Investment Trends
Investment in clean energy is experiencing an unprecedented upswing. At the end of 2024, new clean energy investments, which encompass storage systems, grid upgrades, efficiency measures, and electric vehicles, skyrocketed to $2.2 trillion—effectively doubling the $1.1 trillion allocated to new fossil fuel projects, according to the International Energy Agency. This marks a striking indication that the global trajectory for renewable energy remains optimistic and burgeoning.
Renewal of the American Energy Landscape
In the U.S., the story mirrors the global trends, with substantial growth in renewable energy generation. Solar generation, for instance, witnessed a 37% increase, while wind energy grew by 12% last year. The Energy Information Administration revealed that renewables accounted for 24% of the nation’s electricity generation, with noteworthy milestones such as March 2025, where renewables generated over half of the country’s electricity for the first time ever.
Economic Dynamics Driving Adoption
What accounts for this energetic renaissance? The explanation is grounded in economic principles. Over the past 15 years, costs associated with solar and wind generation have plummeted. The average cost for utility-scale solar generation has decreased by an astonishing 85% between 2010 and 2020, with prices reflecting a 12% drop in 2023 followed by another reduction in 2024.
Solar and wind energy now stand as the most cost-effective options for generating electricity, even in the absence of government subsidies. Reports from PV Magazine indicate that utility-scale solar rates can range from 4 to 8 cents per kilowatt-hour, while the inclusive cost of solar with battery storage hovers between 5 to 13 cents. In contrast, generating power from natural gas can cost between 13.8 and 26 cents per kilowatt-hour, with coal being even less economical.
Voices from the Climate Frontlines
Notable climate activists and authors like Bill McKibben and climate solutions investor Tom Steyer recognize the swift and dramatic changes. McKibben emphasizes that the renewable energy landscape’s rapid evolution has shifted perceptions, elevating solar and wind from “alternative energy” to dominant players in the energy economy. Steyer draws parallels between the current trajectory of renewable energy and the rapid adoption rates of technologies like mobile phones, as they become “cheaper, faster, and better.”
The Crucial Role of Storage
Battery storage plays an essential role in this energy revolution, enhancing the reliability of solar and wind as viable energy sources even during periods of low generation. The deployment of battery storage in the U.S. doubled in 2024, proving to be a decisive factor in addressing the intermittent nature of renewable energy generation.
Regional Developments
Interestingly, the enthusiasm for renewable energy isn’t limited to traditionally Democratic states. The Solar Energy Industry Association reported that 73% of new solar capacity added in 2025 came from Republican states. Major contributors included Texas, Indiana, and Florida, suggesting a bipartisan acknowledgment of the economic benefits tied to renewable energy.
Future Uncertainties
Despite the momentum, challenges loom on the horizon. The revocation of federal tax incentives and permit limitations for new solar and wind projects could stymie the adoption of renewables if not addressed. Industry leaders like Abigail Ross Hopper, president of the Solar Energy Industry Association, stress the critical importance of policy direction in maintaining America’s competitiveness in the renewable energy sector.
A Global Leap Forward
Globally, the energy transition is accelerating, particularly in Africa. Countries are making substantial investments in renewable energy, reminiscent of “leapfrogging” trends seen in telecommunications, where mobile technology quickly replaced landlines. Innovators like Mohamed Adow, from Power Shift Africa, note that this shift towards renewable energy is central to economic development on the continent.
The narrative that renewable energy is a passing trend is increasingly difficult to maintain as we witness the swift transformation of energy policies and practices worldwide. Nations are continuing to invest in infrastructure and technological advancements, setting the stage for a sustainable future that prioritizes clean energy.