The expansion of renewable electricity generation is largely driven by the rise of solar energy. Global solar power generation has doubled in just three years and has been the fastest growing energy source for 20 years.

This development is strongly influenced by China, which accounted for over half (53%) of global growth in 2024 and generated almost 40% of global electricity production from wind and solar power in 2024. However, this development contrasts with the global increase in electricity demand (4%) and a simultaneous increase in fossil fuels (1.4%) (ember-energy.org).

China: The expansion champion with fossil fuel backpack

A look at global shares reveals one leading player: China. The country accounts for nearly 40% of global electricity generation from wind and solar. This dominance is the result of an unprecedented expansion boom, with a 45.2% increase in solar energy and an 18% increase in wind power (enerdata.net) installed in 2024 alone.

Despite this, the internal challenge remains great. Wind and solar only account for 18% of China’s electricity mix. The reason for this is faster growth in overall electricity consumption and the simultaneous expansion of coal-fired power (ember-energy.org).

Germany: Wind and solar dominate the electricity mix

The picture is quite different in Germany. Here, wind and solar energy account for 44% of total national electricity generation, which is well above the global average. Renewable energies already covered around 63% of net public electricity generation in Germany, with wind and solar making the main contribution.

Wind power was once again the most important source of electricity in 2024, contributing 33% to net public electricity generation. Total solar energy production rose by 18% compared to the previous year, accounting for 14% of net public electricity generation (ise-fraunhofer.de).

Expansion from two perspectives

The development of wind and solar energy can be viewed from two perspectives. China is significantly shifting global statistics with its record expansion, as almost 40% of global electricity generation comes from wind and solar energy, while the share of these sources in China’s electricity mix is 18%. Germany is at the other end of the spectrum. Although expansion is smaller in international comparison, wind and solar energy already cover 44% of domestic electricity generation.

The examples of China and Germany show two different roles in development. In one case, massive expansion is making a significant global contribution, while in the other, a high proportion of wind and solar energy is already shaping the national electricity mix. Both perspectives illustrate how differently the expansion of wind and solar energy is reflected in the respective electricity systems.