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across buildings and industry, and was boosted by fast-growing demand from electric vehicles and data centres.All major fuels and technologies expanded to meet the rising demand, but at very different rates. Solar PV was the single largest contributor to growth in global energy supply in 2025, accounting for more than 25% of the increase %u2014 the first time on record that a modern renewable source has led global primary energy supply growth. Natural gas accounted for the next largest share, at 17%, reflecting its role in power generation in many countries. Overall, renewable sources and nuclear energy met nearly 60% of all growth in energy demand, and power generation from these sources exceeded total growth in electricity demand.In the electricity sector, the additional 600 TWh of solar PV generation worldwide in 2025 marked the largest structural increase ever recorded in a single year for any electricity generation technology, contributing to a decline in coal-fired electricity generation globally. Battery storage was the fastest-growing power sector technology in 2025. The roughly 110 GW of new battery storage capacity added during the year exceeded the largest-ever annual capacity additions for natural gas. Meanwhile, over 12 GW of nuclear power reactors began construction in 2025, amid renewed momentum for nuclear projects in several regions.Cumulative deployment of low-emissions technologies since 2019 now avoids annual fossil fuel consumption equivalent to the entire energy demand of Latin America. In the aggregate, the use of technologies such as solar PV, wind power, and heat pumps now displaces natural gas demand equivalent to half of all global annual LNG exports.New IRENA policy advisory shows strategic role of renewables for energy security and resilienceThe strategic deployment of renewables has provided enhanced resilience in the face of the current energy crisis in a number of countries, according to a new policy advisory from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).The brief, aimed at policymakers responding to disruptions in international energy markets, suggests a set of immediate and longer-term actions to insulate countries and communities from the worst effects of the crisis, while steering economic recovery toward greater energy security and resilience.According to the new brief, renewables are already reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports across multiple countries %u2014 from Spain and Portugal in Europe to China, India, and Pakistan in Asia. Globally, renewable power capacity continues to grow at record speed, with 692 GW added in 2025.Furthermore, falling costs have transformed the economics of power generation. More than 85% of new renewables are now cheaper than fossil fuel alternatives. Since 2010, the cost of solar has fallen by 87%, onshore wind by 55%, and battery storage by 93%, according to IRENA. The brief advises policymakers to:%u2022 Facilitate the deployment of distributed renewables by leveraging cross-sector partnerships to mobilise rapid responses; provide financial and logistical support to fast-track development.%u2022 Use public information campaigns and mandates to reduce energy demand.%u2022 Accelerate the adoption of timeof-use tariffs to enable consumers to shift their electricity consumption to times where renewable supply on grids is high and prices are low.%u2022 Implement fiscal measures such as grants, subsidies, or tax rebates to support electrification.%u2022 Accelerate solar PV-battery hybrid mini-grids in off-grid and weakgrid remote areas.%u2022 Accelerate two- and three-wheeler electrification in emerging economies; incentivise the electrification of public transport through financial and fiscal support; encourage car-pooling where appropriate.Energy & natural resourcesCredit: EPA/Robin van Lonkhuijsen316 NX