Global renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power have surpassed electricity demand this year, marking the first time in history that they have collectively generated more power than coal, a recent analysis reveals.
In the initial half of the year, solar power generation surged by a remarkable 31%, while wind power generation increased by 7.7%, as reported by the global energy think-tank, Ember. The combined solar and wind power growth exceeded 400 terawatt hours, surpassing the overall global electricity demand growth during the same period.
Renewable energy sources accounted for 34.3% of global electricity generation in the first half of 2025, surpassing coal, which accounted for 33.1%, marking the first time renewables have outpaced coal. This achievement signifies the feasibility of transitioning away from polluting energy sources with continued investments in renewables like solar, wind, hydropower, bioenergy, and geothermal energies.
Ember’s senior electricity analyst, Malgorzata Wiatros-Motyka, stated that renewables can meet the rising global electricity demand with sustained growth. Meanwhile, fossil fuel generation experienced a slight drop of less than one percent, indicating a significant turning point with emissions plateauing.
Analyzing data from 88 countries representing a vast majority of global electricity demand, the surge in demand is attributed to economic growth, the rise of electric vehicles and data centers, population growth in developing nations, and the need for increased cooling amid rising temperatures.
China and India lead the way in renewable energy adoption, with both countries witnessing a decline in emissions. China, in particular, added more solar and wind capacity than the rest of the world combined, while India experienced record growth in solar and wind power that exceeded demand growth, leading to a reduction in fossil fuel generation.
However, challenges persist in the U.S. as the current administration shifts focus from renewables to bolstering coal, oil, and gas production. This shift in policy threatens the growth of clean energy and poses long-term implications on meeting electricity demand sustainably.
Experts caution that neglecting renewables in favor of fossil fuels could lead to a gap between supply and demand, potentially hindering progress towards reducing emissions and combating climate change. Despite these challenges, there remains optimism that renewables can continue to expand globally and displace fossil fuels, paving the way for a cleaner and sustainable energy future.
