Instagram Linkedin

The boom in solar energy: an overview of 2024 and what awaits us in 2025

Global rise of renewable energy

In 2024, global renewable energy capacity recorded a record increase of 585 gigawatts (GW), representing growth of 15.1% over the previous year. Solar energy stood out in particular, accounting for 452 GW of this expansion and consolidating its dominance within the renewable sector. Overall, solar and wind power accounted for 96,6% of all capacity added during the year (Jowett, 2025).

Despite these impressive figures, the growth rate fell short of the 16.6 per year needed to meet the global target of tripling renewable capacity by 2030. This gap highlights the need to redouble our efforts and secure greater political support to accelerate the adoption of renewable technologies (Schoen, 2025).

The renewable landscape in Europe

Europe continues to make significant progress in adopting renewable energy. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), renewable electricity, heat and transport consumption is expected to grow by nearly 60% between 2024 and 2030. This would raise the share of renewables in final energy consumption to 20% by 2030, compared with 13% in 2023 (IEA, 2024).

Spain: a leader in solar energy

By the end of 2024, Spain had consolidated its position as one of the world’s leading countries in solar energy. Total solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity reached 32,043 MW, generating 44,520 GWh, which accounted for 17% of national electricity production. Spain’s solar energy sector has grown at great speed, becoming the country’s main source of power generation. This trend is expected to continue in 2025, strengthening Spain’s leadership in clean energy (Global Renewable Energy Atlas).

In addition, in 2024 Spain added 1.4 GW of self-consumption solar PV capacity, reflecting a growing trend towards more decentralised generation among consumers (PV Tech, 2025).

France: advances in renewable energy

France has also taken important steps in the field of solar energy. In 2024, its solar PV capacity exceeded 18,000 MW, making it one of Europe’s largest solar markets. France has set ambitious targets for 2025, aiming to reach 40,000 MW of solar capacity. Thanks to strong government support and policy reforms, the country is well positioned to achieve this goal and actively contribute to the energy transition in Europe (Global Renewable Energy Atlas).

Projections for 2025

In Spain’s case, the focus is expected to remain on expanding solar capacity, with projections pointing to a total of 35 GW by the end of 2025. This would put Spain ahead of Italy in solar capacity, reaffirming its role as a European leader in renewable energy (EnergyNews.pro, 2024).

At Nomad Solar Energy, we are committed to contributing to this growth by providing innovative, sustainable and efficient solar solutions. As the world moves towards a greener future, we remain committed to supporting businesses and communities in their transition to clean energy.

Veronica de Thieulloy
February 2025 – Nomad Energy Box

References