Renewable Energy Surpasses Coal for First Time Globally in H1 2025

In a historic development for global energy, renewable sources generated more electricity than coal for the first time in the first half of 2025. This significant shift, detailed in analyses by Ember and corroborated by the International Energy Agency (IEA), highlights the accelerating transition towards cleaner energy systems.

Data compiled from 88 countries, representing 93 percent of global electricity demand, reveals that renewable energy produced 5,072 TWh, while coal generated 4,896 TWh during this period. The share of renewables in global electricity production rose to 50.9%, while the share of coal decreased to 49.1%. The surge in renewable generation is primarily attributed to the rapid expansion of solar and wind power, which not only met but exceeded the growth in global electricity demand. Global electricity demand rose by 2.6% in H1 2025, an increase of 369 TWh year-over-year. Solar energy alone accounted for 83% of this increase, growing by 306 TWh, or 31% year-over-year, reaching 1303 TWh. Wind energy also made a significant contribution, providing 7.7% of global electricity generation, with 1365 TWh.

Małgorzata Wiatros-Motyka, Senior Electricity Analyst at Ember, stated, "We are seeing the first signs of a crucial turning point. Solar and wind are now growing fast enough to meet the world's growing appetite for electricity." This transition marks a significant shift where clean power is keeping pace with demand growth. Consequently, coal generation fell by 0.6% globally, and gas generation declined by 0.2%, resulting in a 0.3% decrease in overall fossil-fuel generation.

While the overall trend is positive, the transition is not uniform across all economies. China and India saw reduced consumption of fossil fuels due to strong renewable growth. China, in particular, contributed significantly to global renewable capacity growth, adding more solar and wind capacity than the rest of the world combined, leading to a 1.7% decrease in its fossil generation. India also showed significant progress, increasing demand for renewable energy and reducing coal use by 3.1%. Conversely, some regions, including the US and EU, experienced increased energy demand that benefited fossil fuels. In the US, demand growth outpaced clean energy supply, leading to a 17% increase in coal use, while in the EU, reduced wind and hydropower output led to greater reliance on gas and coal generation.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts continued strong expansion of renewable energy, with global capacity expected to more than double by 2030 (up to 7300 GW by 2028). Solar PV is projected to lead this growth, accounting for approximately 80% of the increase, while wind energy is expected to account for about 96% by 2030, driven by declining costs and faster permitting processes. The IEA's "Renewables 2025" report anticipates that renewable energy will become the largest global energy source by 2030, meeting nearly 45% of electricity generation needs. This development signifies a pivotal moment in the global effort to combat climate change and transition to sustainable energy.