Renewables overtake coal for the first time

October 07, 2025

For the first time in history, wind and solar power have produced more electricity than coal plants worldwide, marking a defining moment in the global transition to clean energy, according to new research.

Renewable energy overtakes fossil fuels

A report by the climate think tank Ember revealed that during the first half of 2025, renewable energy sources met — and even exceeded — the world’s rising electricity demand. This surge resulted in a slight drop in the use of coal and natural gas across the globe.

The study showed that solar power output jumped by nearly one-third compared to the same period in 2024, meeting 83% of the world’s increase in electricity demand. Meanwhile, wind energy grew by more than 7%, allowing renewables to take a larger share of the power mix than fossil fuels for the first time ever.

A turning point for global power generation

“This is a crucial turning point,” said Małgorzata Wiatros-Motyka, senior electricity analyst at Ember and author of the report.
She explained that solar and wind energy are now expanding fast enough to meet global electricity demand, signaling “the beginning of a new era where clean energy keeps pace with consumption.”

China and India lead the renewable revolution

The report highlighted China and India as the primary drivers behind this renewable surge. While China added more renewable capacity than the rest of the world combined—cutting its fossil fuel use by 2% compared to early 2024—India tripled its renewable energy growth relative to its electricity demand. This led to a 3.1% fall in coal use and a dramatic 34% reduction in gas consumption.

In contrast, the United States experienced rising electricity demand that outstripped renewable growth, resulting in a 17% increase in coal generation. In the European Union, modest demand growth combined with weaker wind and hydro conditions caused gas and coal use to rise by 14% and 1.1%, despite record levels of solar power.

IEA predicts strong growth through 2030

A separate analysis by the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that global renewable capacity could more than double by 2030, with solar photovoltaic (PV) accounting for around 80% of all new clean energy installations.

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol emphasized that while solar will dominate growth, other sources such as wind, hydropower, bioenergy, and geothermal energy will also play vital roles. He added that China will remain the largest renewable energy market, followed by India, with rapid expansion expected in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Southeast Asia.

Key takeaway

The first half of 2025 marks a historic energy milestone: renewable power, led by solar and wind, is now meeting the world’s growing electricity needs faster than fossil fuels can keep up. As major economies continue to invest in clean technology, the shift toward a sustainable, low-carbon global energy system is accelerating — and it’s just the beginning.