Solar power growth tracked worldwide,examining its worldwide surge
The solar energy sector has experienced a significant boost in the first half of 2023, with the global solar energy capacity increasing substantially compared to the same period in previous years. According to data provided by the think tank Ember, the world built 64% more new solar energy capacity in the first half of 2023 compared to the first half of 2024.
Leading the charge is China, the world's largest producer of solar equipment and most other clean-energy technologies. In the first half of 2023, China deployed an impressive 256 GW of new solar capacity, which is more than two-thirds of the global total and double the amount it installed during the same period last year. This growth is primarily driven by the growth in China's solar capacity.
Despite the Trump administration's attacks on clean energy, the U.S. is still pushing solar to new heights. The U.S. installed 21 GW of new solar capacity in the first half of 2023, marking a significant achievement. India, another major contributor, installed 24 GW of new solar capacity during this period, making it the second-largest solar installer.
Outside of China, the global solar capacity increased by only 15% in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. However, the amount of solar installed in the first half of 2023 is significantly higher than the amount installed in all of 2021 and 2022 combined.
The solar energy industry is experiencing a global revolution, as indicated by the significant increase in solar energy capacity in the first half of 2023. Solar provided 7% of the electricity generated globally in 2022, and this percentage is expected to rise as more countries invest in renewable energy.
The world needs to significantly increase the percentage of electricity generated from solar to ditch fossil fuels and reduce emissions. China's overall emissions are expected to decline in 2023 due to the growth in solar and other renewables.
Solar has so far proven capable of growing at an astonishing rate. The data on global solar energy capacity in the first half of 2023 can be found in the "Chart of the week" column on our website. As the world continues to grapple with climate change, the solar energy sector is poised to play a crucial role in the transition to a cleaner, greener future.
