China leads global renewable capacity as solar power tops European electricity mix

World renewable generation capacity grew 15.5 % in 2025, reaching 5,155 GW of installed power. China alone supplied 43.8 % of that total (2,258 GW), far ahead of the European Union’s 779 GW and France’s 83.8 GW. Solar installations surged, adding more than 27 % in 2025 to total 2,396 GW worldwide, while hydroelectric plants remained the largest single source with about 1,296 GW.

In the European Union, solar electricity accounted for 22.1 % of total generation in June 2025, overtaking nuclear, wind, gas and coal for the month. The surge reflected strong sunshine across southern, central and western Europe and a rapid buildup of new photovoltaic capacity on homes, commercial roofs, ground‑mounted farms and car‑park canopies. The higher solar output compressed wholesale power prices during midday hours, highlighting the growing market influence of renewable generation.