With the rapid development of global energy storage and other flexible power technologies, solar generation’s utilization during peak summer periods will continue to rise, further reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

According to a new study by energy think tank Ember, the global solar industry is expanding rapidly and may soon reach a new milestone. This summer (June to August), global solar electricity generation is projected to hit 78 billion kWh, up 30% year-on-year, marking the first time it seasonally overtakes nuclear and other clean energy sources.

Solar Becomes World’s Third-Largest Power Source

Historically, solar power has been constrained by its "daylight-only" nature, lagging behind wind, nuclear, and hydropower even during peak summer production. The lack of flexible power sources limited its ability to support grids, especially during evening peaks.

Roberto Bocca, a member of the World Economic Forum’s Executive Committee, noted that compared to other clean energy sources, solar has greater limitations—it generates only during daylight and is virtually inactive at night.

However, solar has performed exceptionally this year. Ember data shows that in Q1 2024, solar capacity growth in key regions drove a 34% YoY increase in global solar generation. If the 30% growth rate continues through June-August, solar output will surpass nuclear for the first time.

This leap stems from exponential solar capacity growth over the past decade. Since 2014, global solar installations have surged more than 10-fold, with generation doubling. By end-2024, total solar capacity reached 1,866 GW—far outpacing wind (up 3.2x) and other sources (under 1x growth)—making solar the world’s third-largest power source after coal and gas.

China has been pivotal in this rise, contributing 53% of 2024’s global solar additions. Crucially, China’s clean energy growth (including solar) met 81% of the world’s increased electricity demand that year.

Nuclear Power’s Shifting Landscape

Forbes reported that nuclear has long been a low-carbon cornerstone, supplying 10% of global electricity in 2018 (2,700 TWh). Advanced economies like the U.S. and Europe relied on nuclear for ~18% of their power.

But trends are changing. A Boston University study analyzing 662 energy projects across 83 countries (1936-2024) found nuclear plants had the worst cost overruns (averaging 102.5% above budget, or $1.56B extra per project) and delays (35 months). Solar projects had the lowest overruns and delays.

In response, Europe is shifting. France, once 70% nuclear-dependent, now faces aging reactors (some >40 years old) requiring costly maintenance. Summer cooling water shortages also risk output cuts. France has thus retired older plants and diversified its grid. Ember data shows nuclear’s share in France fell from 45% (2019) to 39% (2024), while solar became its fastest-growing source.

By May 2024, France’s clean electricity share hit 95%, peaking at 98% in April—a record high. Solar and adjusted nuclear output offset declines in wind and hydropower.

Collaborative Energy Future

As a stable baseload source, nuclear complements intermittent renewables like solar and wind. Yet the industry faces challenges: high costs, long construction times, and aging fleets (global average reactor age: 32 years). Statista notes most reactors have operated for 30+ years, nearing retirement.

Solar’s outlook is brighter. Forbes forecasts solar will drive 80% of new renewable capacity from 2024-2030. By 2100, it may become the largest single renewable source, thanks to plunging costs and scalable deployment.

Critically, nuclear and solar aren’t zero-sum competitors. Nuclear provides grid-stabilizing baseload, while solar delivers low-cost, rapid-scale clean power. With advancing storage tech, their synergy will underpin robust decarbonized grids.

As a globally recognized solar brand with 15 years of industry expertise, Multifit Solar continuously evolves with our customers' changing needs for photovoltaic systems. Through technological innovation that drives the solar industry forward, we deliver comprehensive PV solutions - empowering users to embrace cleaner, greener, and more convenient living.