Emerging Economies Leading the Way in Clean Energy

According to the Ember Energy Think Tank, BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, along with new members such as Egypt and Indonesia) accounted for more than half (51%) of global solar power production in 2024. China produced 834 TWh of solar electricity, remaining the world’s largest solar power producer, nearly three times higher than the United States, which ranked second.

India reached 133 TWh, experiencing a fourfold increase compared to 2019, while Brazil surpassed Germany with 75 TWh, joining the top five countries worldwide. Notably, in 2024, 36% of the increase in electricity demand in BRICS countries was supplied by solar energy, compared to 14% in the previous decade and just 0.25% in the decade before that.

Including wind, hydro, and nuclear energy, 70% of the increase in BRICS electricity production in 2024 came from clean energy sources. New Ember statistics show that from January to May 2025, China met all of its additional electricity demand with clean energy. India and Brazil also recorded annual solar power growth of 32% and 35%, respectively, from January to April 2025.

While many BRICS members have made significant progress, countries such as Russia and Indonesia remain behind. Egypt remains heavily dependent on natural gas. The Ember report indicates that in countries like South Africa, 24-hour solar energy usage with battery storage has become economically competitive due to falling battery prices.

These findings represent a major shift in the global transition to clean energy. As solar and other clean technologies become increasingly competitive, BRICS countries have the opportunity to deepen their commitment to clean energy, strengthen energy security, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.