Chart of the Day: Australia is the global solar pathfinder, because it has to be

According to the latest IRENA data, Australia is leading the way for per capita solar generation capacity (Watts per person). Australia is in second spot for combined per capita solar and wind generation capacity.

All the leaders in per capita solar and wind deployment are in Europe, apart from Australia. European countries can share renewable, fossil and nuclear electricity across borders to smooth out variable solar and wind production. 

However, Australia is physically isolated and must go it alone. Australia is the global solar pathfinder by demonstrating that this is straightforward at low cost. 

Global per capita hydroelectric and nuclear capacity is included in the above chart. They are a small fraction of the per capita solar and wind capacity in leading countries. 

In 2024, about 700 gigawatts (GW) of new solar and wind was deployed worldwide. This compares with 2 GW per year of net new nuclear capacity over the past decade.

Nuclear reactor construction is a cottage industry compared with solar and wind. Both solar and wind generation will pass nuclear generation in 2025. Australia generates more solar electricity per capita than any other country.