Electricity

Renewables Surpass Coal in Global Electricity for First Time

Published OCT 7 2025

Story

Above: Solar panels. Image credit: Unsplash

The Facts

Renewable energy sources including solar and wind power generated more electricity than coal globally for the first time in the first half of 2025, according to an analysis of data from 88 countries — representing 93% of worldwide demand — by the energy think tank Ember.
Reddit
BBC News
Ember
Global solar generation increased by 31% in the first six months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, meeting 83% of the worldwide increase in electricity demand, while wind power expanded by approximately 7.7% during the same timeframe.
The Guardian
Electrek
China led the renewable energy expansion by adding more solar and wind capacity than all other countries combined, resulting in a 2% decrease in fossil fuel generation. Meanwhile, India experienced similar reductions, with coal falling 3.1% and gas dropping 34%.
The Telegraph
Sky News
The U.S. experienced a 17% increase in fossil fuel generation, primarily driven by coal, as electricity demand growth outpaced the expansion of renewable energy. In contrast, the EU experienced higher coal and gas usage due to weaker performance from wind and hydropower.
Fox2Now
Independent
Total global fossil fuel generation declined by 0.3% in the first half of 2025, resulting in a 0.2% reduction in power sector emissions. This decline was offset by the increased generation of renewable sources, which produced 5,072 terawatt-hours compared to coal's 4,896 terawatt-hours of electricity production.
Electrek
BBC News
The International Energy Agency forecasts that global renewable capacity could more than double by 2030, with solar photovoltaic technology expected to account for approximately 80% of new clean energy installations in emerging markets worldwide.
The Guardian
Reddit
Paul Beckwith on Youtube

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The Spin

Optimist narrative

Solar and wind power have achieved a historic breakthrough, demonstrating that clean energy can meet increasing global electricity demand. This milestone signifies that renewables are no longer niche but have become mainstream technologies driving the entire power system forward. Accelerated investment in solar, wind and battery storage will deliver clean, affordable electricity to communities worldwide.

Ember

Cynical narrative

Despite renewable growth, the transition faces serious infrastructure challenges that threaten reliability and cost taxpayers billions. Wind and solar's intermittent nature forces energy providers to pay farms to stop producing during peak times, then pay gas plants to fill gaps. Without massive grid upgrades and storage solutions, this costly inefficiency will only worsen as renewable energy sources expand.