The opportunity presented by the crisis
The bad news: missiles striking oil facilities in the Iran conflict and oil and gas prices soaring dramatically worldwide. The good news: the price and supply shock facing the fossil fuel and nuclear energy giants also presents an opportunity for renewable energy.
An analysis by the data and research firm Global Data has just revealed that renewable energy capacity could more than double by 2031.
The latest report “Renewable Energy: Strategic Intelligence” shows that global renewable energy capacity will have reached a new peak as early as 2025. The Asia-Pacific region in particular is dominating the expansion of renewables. China and India, above all, are playing a key role in driving this development.
Until now, wind power has provided the largest share of renewable energy. However, in 2025, solar power became the largest source of renewables globally for the first time. Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly important role in the rapid expansion of green energy. It helps to better manage the fluctuating electricity production from wind and solar plants.
Volker Quaschning, Professor of Renewable Energy, sees the current energy crisis as a major opportunity for the faster expansion of renewable energy, electric cars and heat pumps. Solar providers are currently experiencing a rush for their products. E.On Managing Director Flip Thon: “Demand for solar installations has almost doubled in recent months.”
Crises have always offered an opportunity to learn. Energy economist Claudia Kemfert from the German Institute for Economic Research points to the oil crises of the 1970s: “There is a learning effect from crises, and that can now be given a boost.” In many countries, solar and wind energy are booming and homes are being better insulated. The global solar revolution is making progress.
To ensure the current hype does not fizzle out again, the German government should also improve the framework conditions for renewables. If necessary, Chancellor Merz should also dismiss his Minister for Economic Affairs, Katherina Reiche. For with her gas policy, she is harming both the economy and the climate. But here too, the crisis presents an opportunity.
