'It's offensively cheap': Solar power is quietly becoming bigger than nuclear
Solar power has officially overtaken nuclear energy as a global power source, driven by rapid growth and falling costs. Experts note that solar is now the fastest-growing source of new electricity, consistently defying previous industry projections.
Why it matters
The transition to solar energy represents a significant shift in the global energy landscape, impacting climate goals and traditional power infrastructure.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Jocelyn Timperley Getty Images (Credit: Getty Images) After defying projections, solar's dramatic growth means it is now overtaking nuclear as a global power source. Here are seven reasons for solar's success, and where it might go from here.
The world's solar power is crossing a threshold. A decade ago, it barely registered on a global scale, providing just 1% of the world's power. In 2026, it will almost certainly increase to 10% of power, and overtake nuclear, a mainstay of electricity since the late 1970s.
Globally, solar electricity generation quietly overtook nuclear power (just) in 2025, according to statistics from UK-based energy think tank Ember . And BBC analysis of Ember data over the past 12 months up to September 2026 shows it clearly outstripping nuclear, producing 13% more power.
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