Global Renewables Surpass Coal for First Time as Wind and Solar Surge

Global Renewables Surpass Coal for First Time as Wind and Solar Surge
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For the first time, wind and solar power generated more electricity than coal worldwide in the first half of 2025, marking a significant milestone for the global energy system, The Guardian reported. A study by climate thinktank Ember found that renewables outpaced rising electricity demand, contributing to a modest decline in coal and gas use.

Solar generation rose by nearly a third compared with the same period in 2024, meeting 83% of the global increase in electricity demand, while wind power grew just over 7%, allowing clean energy to displace fossil fuels. Małgorzata Wiatros-Motyka, Ember senior analyst, described the milestone as “the beginning of a shift where clean power is keeping pace with demand growth.”

The report highlighted China and India as major drivers of renewable growth, in contrast with the US and Europe, where reliance on fossil fuels persisted. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects global renewable capacity could more than double by 2030, with solar accounting for 80% of new additions.

China’s renewable surge led to a 2% drop in fossil fuel use, while India’s rapid expansion caused coal and gas consumption to fall by 3.1% and 34%, respectively. By contrast, the US saw coal generation rise 17%, and Europe experienced modest demand growth offset by lower wind and hydro output.