Wind and solar power have become the primary drivers of the worldwide transition to clean energy, representing the vast majority of new power installations. Over the last five years, these two sources were responsible for more than 70% of all new electricity capacity added to the global grid, according to the authors of the newly released report.
“Wind and solar accounted for more than 70% of all new electricity capacity growth globally in the past five years, underscoring the central role of these power sources in system growth worldwide.”
This means that for every ten new power sources built around the world in recent years, seven of them rely on wind or sunlight to generate electricity. This significant expansion shows that renewable energy has moved from being a niche alternative to becoming the standard choice for expanding the world’s power supply.
The report “Energy Storage Signals Shift to Renewable Grids” was published in March 2026 by the Global Energy Monitor. Prepared by lead author Ye Huang, the briefing analyzes the rapid global expansion of battery storage systems and their essential role in integrating variable wind and solar power into modern electricity grids.
