Renewable energy surpasses coal for the first time in global electricity generation
Wind and solar power exceeded coal in electricity production worldwide in early 2025, marking a milestone in the global shift toward cleaner energy sources.
The global energy sector has reached a historic milestone as renewables overtook coal in electricity generation for the first time during the first half of 2025. According to a report published by leading UK-based energy think tank Ember, wind and solar sources drove the surge, signaling a pivotal moment in the world’s transition away from fossil fuels. The report highlights that electricity generated from solar alone jumped nearly one-third from the previous year and accounted for 83% of the global increase in demand, while wind power grew by 7%.
China and India were the main drivers behind this renewable energy boom. China, by itself, produced more renewable electricity than the rest of the world combined and continued to expand its clean energy production rapidly. Meanwhile, India tripled its renewable capacity compared to its electricity needs, reflecting a robust decline in fossil fuel usage in both countries.
Despite these advances, the United States and Europe saw a slight shift back to fossil fuels in the same period. In the US, demand outpaced the growth in renewables, resulting in a 17% increase in coal usage. Europe experienced reduced wind and hydropower due to unfavorable weather, prompting a 14% rise in natural gas and a 1.1% uptick in coal consumption. Nevertheless, the International Energy Agency expects global renewable capacity to more than double by 2030, with 80% of this growth coming from solar. Experts emphasize that the current momentum proves wind and solar now have the scale to meet rising electricity demand worldwide, with China, India, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Southeast Asia poised as leading markets for further expansion.
