Highlights of the global energy transition in 2025 – ember-energy.org

Solar Energy Expansion in Emerging Markets and Its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

In 2025, solar energy experienced significant growth in markets that had previously lagged behind global leaders. This expansion highlights solar power’s potential to leapfrog fossil fuel generation, particularly in emerging economies. Factors such as declining costs, reduced supply chain bottlenecks, and clearer policy frameworks have contributed to this upward trend.

Acceleration of Solar Energy in Africa

According to a report by Ember in August 2025, solar energy adoption is accelerating across Africa, demonstrating progress toward Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7: Affordable and Clean Energy.

1. Chinese solar panel imports to Africa increased by 60% in the 12 months leading to June 2025.
2. South Africa remains the largest importer, with 20 additional countries recording record import volumes.
3. Total solar panel imports reached 15 GW, up from 9.4 GW the previous year.
4. Notable import growth in specific countries includes:
   • Algeria: 33-fold increase
   • Zambia: 8-fold increase
   • Botswana: 7-fold increase
   • Sudan: 6-fold increase
   • Liberia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Benin, Angola, and Ethiopia: more than triple imports

This growth supports SDG 13: Climate Action by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting sustainable energy solutions.

Solar Growth in Central Europe

Central Europe, previously behind in solar energy generation, is now expanding faster than many traditional European Union leaders, contributing to SDG 7 and SDG 13.

• In June 2025, Hungary generated more than 40% of its electricity from solar power.
• Poland and Czechia recorded their highest monthly solar output to date during the summer of 2025.

BRICS Countries Leading Global Solar Generation

By 2024, the ten BRICS countries accounted for over half (51%) of global solar generation, a substantial increase from 15% a decade earlier. This shift represents a major transformation in the global energy transition, aligning with multiple SDGs:

• SDG 7: Promoting access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy.
• SDG 9: Building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation in clean energy technologies.
• SDG 13: Taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

Conclusion

The rapid expansion of solar energy in emerging markets and regions previously behind in adoption demonstrates significant progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Continued support for policy clarity, cost reduction, and supply chain improvements will be essential to sustain this momentum and promote a global transition to clean, sustainable energy.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article highlights the rapid growth and adoption of solar energy in emerging markets and regions previously behind in solar generation.
   • Focus on increasing solar capacity and generation aligns with ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The transition from fossil fuel generation to solar energy supports efforts to combat climate change and its impacts.
   • The article emphasizes solar energy leapfrogging fossil generation, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The expansion of solar infrastructure and technology adoption in emerging economies reflects innovation and sustainable industrialization.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • References to imports of Chinese solar panels and international trade indicate global partnerships supporting clean energy growth.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 7 Targets:
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix by 2030.
   • Target 7.a: Enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology.
2. SDG 13 Targets:
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
3. SDG 9 Targets:
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean technologies.
4. SDG 17 Targets:
   • Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Installed Solar Capacity (GW)
   • The article mentions imports of solar panels measured in gigawatts (GW) of capacity (e.g., 15 GW total imports in Africa), indicating installed solar capacity as an indicator.
2. Solar Electricity Generation as a Percentage of Total Electricity
   • Example: Hungary generating more than 40% of its electricity from solar in June 2025.
   • This reflects the share of renewable energy in the electricity mix, an important indicator for SDG 7.2.
3. Growth Rate of Solar Imports or Capacity
   • Percentage increases in solar panel imports by countries (e.g., Algeria’s imports rose 33-fold) imply indicators measuring growth rates in renewable energy adoption.
4. Share of Global Solar Generation by Region or Country Group
   • BRICS countries accounting for 51% of global solar generation indicates an indicator measuring regional contributions to renewable energy generation.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: ember-energy.org