Global Energy Transition Inflection Point

Renewables overtook fossil fuels in global energy supply growth in 2025 for the first time outside recessions. Solar surpassed wind, renewables hit 33.4% of electricity, but fossil fuels are not declining. IEA reports $1.7T clean energy investments in 2024 (38% surge). Recent data: Clean Investment Monitor shows US residential battery storage surging, wind investment plummeting. Renewable PPA prices show solar dipping slightly but elevated, wind at record highs due to permitting bottlenecks; only 13% of interconnection queue capacity becomes operational. Energy security arguments (Ukraine, Strait of Hormuz) and cost competitiveness (NY post-Iran) reinforce the case for acceleration. Local success stories like Nebraska communities making millions from solar provide on-the-ground evidence. A new article argues for fossil fuel use in Africa for development, challenging climate justice narratives and adding complexity to the transition debate.