In a landmark recognition of global energy transformation, the prestigious journal Science has designated the renewable energy surge as its 2025 Breakthrough of the Year. This announcement highlights a pivotal shift in worldwide energy dynamics, with China emerging as the dominant force driving this transition.
The publication notes that humanity has historically depended on ancient solar energy stored in fossil fuels since the Industrial Revolution. However, 2025 marked a critical turning point as renewable sources—primarily solar and wind power—began surpassing conventional energy across multiple metrics. Renewable generation expanded sufficiently to meet the entire increase in global electricity demand during the first half of the year and overtook coal as the primary electricity source worldwide.
China’s industrial prowess has been instrumental in this transformation. Through years of strategic subsidies and sector development, China now commands unprecedented dominance in renewable technology manufacturing. The nation produces 80% of global solar cells, 70% of wind turbines, and 70% of lithium batteries, achieving price points that remain unmatched by competitors.
This technological accessibility has sparked remarkable adoption across developing regions. African and South Asian markets have experienced soaring imports of solar panels as communities recognize the cost-effective potential of rooftop solar for powering essential devices. The journal suggests that renewable growth now appears unstoppable, with China’s green technology exports reshaping global energy landscapes.
Europe continues as a established market for Chinese renewable technology, while Global South nations are increasingly embracing these solutions, motivated by both market economics and aspirations for energy independence. Notably, renewable expansion has contributed to stagnating greenhouse gas emissions in China and brought a global carbon peak within conceivable reach.
Science emphasized that while these developments represent crucial progress, they should be viewed as foundational steps toward more substantial emissions reductions. The announcement also recognized other significant scientific achievements including advanced gene editing techniques, novel gonorrhea treatments, revolutionary telescope technology, scientific applications of large language models, and development of heat-resistant rice varieties.