Renewable Energy Surpasses Coal in Electricity Generation for First Time, Report Reveals
For the first time in history, renewable energy has surpassed coal as the primary source of global electricity generation, according to a new report from energy think tank Ember. The shift is largely driven by populous developing countries like China and India, which have rapidly expanded their use of solar, wind, and hydro power.
According to the report, released on October 9, 2025, renewable energy contributed 34.3% of all global electricity generated in the first half of 2025, while coal fell to 33.1%. This marks a significant milestone in the transition away from fossil fuels and towards cleaner sources of energy.
The increase in renewable energy is largely attributed to the rapid expansion of solar and wind power in developing countries. China, for example, has seen a significant surge in solar panel installations, with the country's solar capacity increasing by over 50% in just one year. India, too, has made significant strides in expanding its renewable energy sector, with the government setting ambitious targets to increase the share of non-fossil fuels in the country's energy mix.
In contrast, Western societies such as the European Union and the US have seen an increase in coal consumption during this period, highlighting a stark contrast in global energy trends. According to Ember, the EU's reliance on coal has increased by 10% since 2020, while the US has seen a 5% rise in coal consumption.
Experts say that the shift towards renewable energy is driven by a combination of factors, including declining costs and increasing government support for clean energy technologies. "The cost of renewable energy has fallen dramatically over the past decade, making it more competitive with fossil fuels," said Dr. Emma Taylor, a leading expert on renewable energy policy at the University of Cambridge. "Governments around the world are also recognizing the importance of transitioning away from coal and towards cleaner sources of energy."
While the report's findings are significant, experts caution that there is still much work to be done to achieve a fully renewable energy-based grid. "This is an important milestone, but we must continue to invest in clean energy technologies and policies to ensure a smooth transition," said Dr. Taylor.
The report's authors note that while renewable energy has surpassed coal as the primary source of electricity generation, fossil fuels still account for over 60% of global energy consumption. However, they say that this trend is likely to continue, with renewable energy expected to play an increasingly important role in meeting global energy demands.
As the world continues to transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy mix, one thing is clear: the writing is on the wall for fossil fuels. With renewable energy now surpassing coal as the primary source of electricity generation, it's time to start thinking about what comes next.
Attribution:
According to Ember's report released on October 9, 2025
As reported by Alana Wise in NPR Politics on October 9, 2025
Quotes from Dr. Emma Taylor, University of Cambridge, and Ember's report
This story was compiled from reports by NPR Politics and BREAKING: NPR News.
