Renewables Surpass Coal in Global Electricity Generation for the First Time
Renewable energy sources generated more electricity than coal worldwide for the first time in the first half of 2025, according to a new report by energy think tank Ember. The shift marks a key milestone in the global transition towards cleaner energy, driven largely by strong growth in solar and wind power across China and India.
A Turning Point in Global Power Generation
Between January and June 2025, renewable sources supplied 5,072 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity, surpassing coal’s 4,896 TWh, the report revealed. Ember’s senior electricity analyst Małgorzata Wiatros-Motyka called the milestone a “crucial turning point” for global energy systems.
“Solar and wind are now growing fast enough to meet the world’s growing appetite for electricity,” Wiatros-Motyka said.
Global electricity demand increased by 2.6%, or 369 TWh, compared to the same period in 2024. Almost all of this additional demand was met by renewables, with solar generation rising by 306 TWh and wind by 97 TWh in the first six months of the year.
China and India Lead the Green Shift
The report highlighted China and India as the main drivers behind the surge in renewable output. In China, the world’s largest energy consumer, fossil-fuel power generation fell by 2% while solar and wind output grew by 43% and 16% respectively.
India also posted strong gains, with solar generation up 31% and wind up 29%. These increases helped the country cut coal and gas use by 3.1% compared with the previous year.
“The rapid growth in renewable capacity across Asia shows that major emerging economies are now at the forefront of the clean energy revolution,” Ember’s report stated.
Mixed Trends in the US and Europe
Despite global progress, fossil-fuel use rose in both the United States and the European Union due to increased electricity demand and weaker wind and hydropower output.
In the US, coal generation grew by 17% while gas generation declined by 3.9%. In Europe, gas-fired power rose by 14% and coal by 1.1%. The shift came as several regions faced reduced renewable generation caused by weather-related factors.
US President Donald Trump, who has rolled back several climate measures since returning to office, has also pledged new support for coal power plants and signed executive orders promoting coal production earlier this year.
Global Climate Goals and the Road Ahead
Coal remains one of the world’s most carbon-intensive energy sources, emitting roughly twice as much carbon dioxide as gas per unit of electricity. Scientists and international agencies have long stressed that reducing coal use is essential to meeting global climate targets.
Ember’s findings suggest that, for the first time, renewable energy growth is beginning to outpace fossil fuels at a global level—offering cautious optimism that the energy transition is accelerating, even as regional challenges persist.
with inputs from Reuters
