Solar Power Expansion Mitigates Global Emissions Rise in 2025, IEA Finds

Muscat: Global emissions rose at a slower pace in 2025, driven by a major expansion of solar power in several developing nations, according to a report from the International Energy Agency (IEA). The agency highlighted that energy-related carbon dioxide emissions increased by just 0.4 percent last year, marking a decline in the rate of growth compared to previous years. This change is largely attributed to significant shifts in the energy mix, with solar-powered electricity generation playing a critical role. According to Oman News Agency, the IEA report also noted a slowdown in global energy demand growth, which fell to 1.3 percent-slightly below the average of the past decade. This was complemented by a sharp decline in gas demand, primarily due to high prices experienced in the first half of the year. The data further revealed that advanced economies experienced their first annual emissions increase since 2018. This trend was particularly evident in the United States, where elevated gas prices led to a r esurgence in coal-fired electricity usage. As a result, US energy demand reached its second highest level since 2000, excluding periods of post-recession recovery. This surge was fueled by increased electricity consumption in data centers, industrial expansion, and colder weather conditions. In contrast, China saw a decline in emissions, as it spearheaded the global expansion in solar power capacity, showcasing the potential of renewable energy sources in reducing carbon footprints.