In a historic shift for energy systems, the U.S. journal Science has declared the renewable energy transition its 2025 Breakthrough of the Year, crediting China's technological and industrial leadership for accelerating this global transformation. For the first time, solar and wind generation has surpassed coal worldwide while meeting all new electricity demand this year – milestones experts call a 'tipping point' for clean energy adoption.
The publication highlights how China now manufactures 80% of global solar cells and 70% of wind turbines and lithium batteries, driving down costs through scaled production. This technological edge has enabled developing nations across Africa and South Asia to adopt affordable rooftop solar systems, bringing electricity to millions while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
"China's strategic investments over decades have reshaped the energy landscape," the journal noted, pointing to renewable exports transforming energy infrastructure in Europe and Global South nations alike. While emissions growth has stalled in China this year, analysts emphasize that sustained global deployment remains crucial to achieving climate targets.
Other notable 2025 breakthroughs include gene-editing advancements and AI-powered scientific research tools, but none matched renewables' immediate planetary impact. As solar panels now outproduce microchips globally, this energy revolution continues redefining geopolitical dynamics and sustainable development pathways.
