This summer, global solar power generation is expected to surpass nuclear energy for the first time in history. With the rapid development of flexible power technologies such as energy storage, solar power utilization during peak summer periods is expected to continue improving, further reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

According to a recent report by international energy and climate think tank Ember, the global solar industry is growing at a record pace and may soon reach a new milestone. From June to August 2025, global solar power generation is projected to reach 78 billion kWh, a year-on-year increase of about 30%, potentially exceeding nuclear power and other clean energy sources for the first time in a single season.

Solar Becomes the World’s Third Largest Power Source

Historically, solar power has been limited by its daytime-only generation capability. Even in summer, its output lagged behind wind, nuclear, and hydropower due to its intermittency and lack of dispatchability to support evening peak demand.

Roberto Bocca, a member of the World Economic Forum’s Executive Committee, noted that compared to other clean energy sources, solar power faces more constraints—it can only generate electricity during daylight hours and virtually shuts down at night.

However, in 2025, solar power is showing remarkable performance. Data from Ember shows that in Q1 of the year, solar power output grew 34% year-on-year in key regions globally. If the current growth rate continues through summer, solar could surpass nuclear generation for the first time.

This surge is backed by a decade of exponential growth in solar installations. Since 2014, global solar capacity has increased more than tenfold, while power output has more than doubled. By the end of 2024, total global solar capacity reached 1,866 GW, far outpacing wind (which grew 3.2 times) and other energy sources (less than double), making solar the world’s third-largest power source after coal and natural gas.

China has played a decisive role in this rise. In 2024, China accounted for 53% of new global solar installations. More significantly, China's clean energy growth, including solar, met 81% of the world’s net electricity demand increase.

 Changing Landscape for Nuclear Power

For decades, nuclear energy has been a cornerstone of low-carbon power generation. According to the International Energy Agency, in 2018, nuclear power contributed 2.7 trillion kWh—around 10% of global electricity—with developed economies like the U.S. and EU relying on nuclear for up to 18% of their supply.

However, this trend is changing. A Boston University study analyzing 662 power projects across 83 countries from 1936 to 2024 found that nuclear projects had the highest cost overruns and delays. On average, nuclear plant costs exceeded initial estimates by 102.5%, with average overruns of \$1.56 billion and delays of 35 months. In contrast, solar projects had the lowest cost overruns and delays among all energy types.

This has prompted a shift in energy strategies, especially in Europe. France, once heavily reliant on nuclear for over 70% of its electricity, is now reducing its dependence. Many of France’s nuclear reactors are over 40 years old, requiring expensive maintenance, and some face risks during hot summers when river water used for cooling becomes too warm.

To mitigate these risks, France has shut down older nuclear plants and boosted investments in alternative energy. According to Ember, nuclear’s share in France’s power mix dropped from 45% in 2019 to 39% in 2024, while solar became the fastest-growing electricity source.

As of the end of May, clean energy accounted for 95% of France’s power generation, reaching a record 98% in April—the highest share recorded in 2024. French energy producers also saw the highest clean energy output in six years. Solar, together with adjusted nuclear output, compensated for declining wind and hydro generation.

 Collaborating Toward the Future of Energy

As a key pillar of the global low-carbon energy system, nuclear power continues to provide reliable baseload electricity, unlike intermittent sources like wind and solar. However, in today’s fast-evolving energy landscape, nuclear faces growing challenges.

High construction costs and long timelines have deterred new investments. At the same time, most nuclear plants worldwide are aging. In developed countries, the average age of nuclear power plants is 32 years. Many are nearing or have exceeded their design lifespan, requiring costly refurbishments or decommissioning.

Looking forward, solar is expected to lead the way. According to Forbes, solar will contribute up to 80% of new renewable power generation between 2024 and 2030. By the end of this century, solar is projected to surpass wind and hydro to become the world’s largest single source of renewable energy. This growth is driven by technological advancements, falling costs, and the flexibility of solar deployment.

Forbes also emphasizes that solar and nuclear are not in a zero-sum competition. Instead, they should work in synergy—each playing a distinct but complementary role. Nuclear continues to provide stable baseload power and support grid flexibility, while solar delivers low-cost, rapidly deployable clean energy to meet growing demand from homes, industries, and societies.

A clean and resilient future energy system will depend on both: nuclear’s stability and solar’s scalability. The development of flexible technologies like energy storage will further unlock the collaborative potential of these sources.

Multifit: Empowering the Future with Clean Solar Solutions

As a global brand with over 15 years of expertise in the solar industry, Multifit continues to evolve its product strategies in line with the changing needs of users and solar power stations. Through continuous technological innovation, we are committed to delivering clean, green, and convenient energy solutions—helping customers enjoy a better life and contributing to a more sustainable energy future.