Renewables Overtake Coal in Global Electricity Generation for First Time
BERLIN, GERMANY - In a historic shift, renewable energy sources surpassed coal as the largest source of electricity generation globally in the first six months of 2025, according to an analysis by global energy think tank Ember. This milestone marks a significant turning point in the world's transition towards cleaner energy.
The analysis, which covered 88 countries accounting for 93% of global electricity demand, revealed that solar and wind energy are now growing fast enough to meet the world's increasing appetite for electricity. "We are seeing the first signs of a crucial turning point," said Małgorzata Wiatros-Motyka, Senior Electricity Analyst at Ember. "Solar and wind energy are now growing fast enough to meet the world's growing appetite for electricity. This marks the beginning of a shift where clean energy is keeping pace with demand growth."
The report attributed this significant shift to strong growth in renewables in major economies such as India and China. In these countries, the expansion of solar and wind power led to a decrease in fossil fuel consumption, including coal and gas. However, the same trend was not observed in other large economies like the United States and the European Union, where reliance on polluting sources of energy increased.
The US saw an uptick in energy demand that outpaced the growth of renewables, resulting in a surge in the use of fossil fuels. In contrast, China's rapid expansion of solar infrastructure has made it a global leader in renewable energy adoption. The country's efforts have been instrumental in driving the shift towards cleaner energy globally.
The analysis highlights the importance of continued investment in renewable energy technologies to meet the world's growing electricity needs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As the world transitions towards cleaner energy sources, countries must work together to ensure a smooth and equitable transition.
According to Ember's report, this milestone marks not only a significant shift but also a crucial turning point in the global energy landscape. "This is a moment of truth for the world," said Wiatros-Motyka. "We can either seize this opportunity to accelerate our transition towards clean energy or risk being left behind."
As the world continues to grapple with climate change, the shift towards renewable energy sources offers a beacon of hope. The global community must now work together to ensure that this momentum is sustained and that the transition towards cleaner energy remains on track.
Sources:
Ember's analysis of global electricity generation data
Interviews with Małgorzata Wiatros-Motyka, Senior Electricity Analyst at Ember
*Reporting by Dw.*
