Renewables overtake coal as dominant global power source in 2025 milestone
Global electricity generation from wind and solar power surpassed coal for the first time in the first half of 2025. This marks a pivotal shift in the energy landscape, driven by significant growth in solar energy production and continued expansion of wind power, particularly in China.Electricity demand worldwide increased by 2.6% during this period, totaling 369 terawatt-hours. Wind and solar provided nearly all of the additional power required to meet that demand. Solar power output rose by 31%, contributing 306 terawatt-hours, while wind power increased by 7.7%, adding 97 terawatt-hours. Solar energy alone accounted for 83% of the growth in electricity demand, playing the dominant role in the expansion of renewables.
Solar power is now the fastest-growing source of electricity. Its global share rose from 6.9% to 8.8% in just six months. China was responsible for more than half of the global increase in solar output. Other notable contributors included the United States, the European Union, India, and Brazil. Four countries now generate more than 25% of their electricity from solar, and 29 countries have reached at least 10%, up from 22 the previous year.
Renewable energy overall reached 5,072 terawatt-hours in the first half of the year, representing a 7.7% year-over-year increase. During the same period, coal-fired generation fell to 4,896 terawatt-hours, a decline of 31 terawatt-hours. Renewables now account for 34.3% of global electricity generation, exceeding coal's 33.1% share for the first time.
The transition is being led primarily by Asia. China and India not only expanded renewable output significantly but also reduced reliance on fossil fuels. In China, coal and gas use both declined by 2% compared to the previous year. In India, coal use fell by 3.1%, while natural gas dropped by 34%.
In contrast, trends in the United States and Europe showed setbacks. In the U.S., electricity demand increased more quickly than renewable capacity, leading to a 17% rise in coal generation. In Europe, unfavorable weather conditions reduced wind and hydro output, prompting a 14% increase in natural gas use and a 1.1% rise in coal generation.
Despite the historic nature of this shift, the global transition to clean energy remains incomplete. Maintaining momentum will require greater policy support, investment in battery storage, and expansion of transmission infrastructure. The rapid rise of solar and wind has demonstrated that clean energy is no longer a niche solution, but global energy systems must still be modernized to ensure clean, reliable, and affordable electricity worldwide.
Carbon emissions from the power sector declined by 12 million metric tons of CO₂ in the first half of the year. This progress reflects a broader trend: 2025 is emerging as a critical turning point, signaling that renewable energy has begun to move from the margins to the core of global electricity generation.
