Solar power's unstoppable rise: a new dawn in global energy

In a groundbreaking study, scientists assert that solar energy has reached a pivotal tipping point, ensuring its rapid and irreversible global proliferation.

Simrin Sirur reports for Mongabay.


In short:

  • The study predicts that solar energy, alongside wind power, will become the predominant electricity sources within the next two decades, outpacing all other forms of energy.
  • Key factors driving this shift include technological advancements, cost reductions, and significant investment increases in solar energy deployment, especially in India and China.
  • However, challenges such as grid resilience, financial accessibility, unstable mineral supply chains, and resistance from traditional industries could impede solar energy's full potential.

Key quote:

"Our analysis establishes quantitative empirical evidence, from current and historical data trends, that a solar energy tipping point is likely to have passed."

— Study authors

Visit EHN's energy section for more top news about energy, climate and health.

Manufacturing plant with smoke rising from towers

How has climate change reshaped drought in the West Midlands?

The origins of the "flash drought" and how things compare to the conditions of 1976.
An aerial view of the Pentagon

U.S. Federal judge orders Pentagon to lift freeze on wind power

Since April, the Defense Department has halted all military reviews for wind projects, stalling dozens of projects nationwide.
NEW YORK CITY - SEPTEMBER 3 2015: Republican candidate for president Donald Trump announced he had signed a pledge not to run as an independent candidate should he fail to win the party's nomination in 2016.
Credit: andykatz/BigStock Photo ID: 100778843

Trump administration to pay German firm $1.22B to cut offshore wind leases

Agreement with RWE is the fifth deal Trump team has made with energy companies, offering payouts to give up projects.

A man wearing a hardhat on a roof inspecting solar panels

Utah produced more power from solar than any other source in May, marking a new first

Wind and solar generation are surging in Utah’s power mix, and experts expect the trend to continue despite cuts to federal clean energy incentives.

Computer generated 3D illustration with oil pumps, solar panels and wind turbines
Credit: MIRO3D/BigStock Photo ID: 147195269

How solar donors helped take down a Trump-backed Republican

A pro-renewable energy political action committee was behind Representative Andy Ogles' primary loss Thursday.

Sunlight shines over river bed
Photo by Trac Vu/Unsplash

Texas governor blasted Corpus Christi for its water crisis. A river authority he has power over is falling apart

The Nueces River Authority is working on a project that could expand the Corpus Christi region’s water supply, but the Texas governor has done little to address the agency’s financial problems, despite appointing every member of its board.

From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.