The International Energy Agency (IEA) has reported that global energy investment is on track to reach a record $3.3 trillion in 2025, despite economic turbulence and rising geopolitical risks. The majority of this investment, approximately $2.2 trillion, is heading towards clean technologies such as renewables, nuclear, grids, battery storage, low-emissions fuels, efficiency, and electrification.
China has emerged as the world’s top energy investor, spending nearly as much as the US and EU combined, with a significant increase in clean energy investments over the past decade. Solar energy is leading the way, with investment expected to reach $450 billion this year, surpassing other energy technologies globally.
However, not all news is positive. Grid investments are lagging behind new generation and electrification projects, raising concerns about electricity security. The IEA warns that grid spending needs to catch up quickly to avoid bottlenecks such as permitting delays and supply chain issues.
The report also highlights the need for increased investment in Africa, where energy access and climate goals could be compromised due to a lack of funding. Despite accounting for 20% of the world’s population, Africa attracts only 2% of global clean energy investment, with overall energy investment declining by a third over the past decade.
Clean energy is surging, with solar at the forefront, but if grid upgrades don’t keep pace and the investment gap in developing economies isn’t addressed, energy access and climate goals may fall behind.
Source: https://electrek.co/2025/06/04/china-spends-nearly-as-much-on-energy-as-us-and-eu-combined-iea