Renewable Energy Surpasses Coal: A Global Turning Point

For the first time in history, renewable energy has overtaken coal as the world’s leading source of electricity, according to new data from energy think tank Ember.

🌍 A Shift in Global Energy – In the first half of this year, growth in solar and wind was so strong it met 100% of the increase in global electricity demand. This even led to a slight decline in coal and gas use – a milestone moment that Ember calls a “crucial turning point.”

☀️ Solar Leading the Charge – Solar power accounted for 83% of the growth in electricity demand, making it the largest source of new electricity for the third year in a row. Its rapid rise has been driven by extraordinary cost reductions – prices have fallen nearly 99.9% since 1975 – opening up opportunities for lower-income countries to leapfrog directly into clean energy adoption.

• China remains the global leader, adding more solar and wind capacity than the rest of the world combined.
• India also reduced fossil fuel use thanks to strong renewable growth.
• Across Africa, solar imports surged 60% year-on-year, with South Africa, Nigeria, and smaller nations such as Algeria, Zambia, and Botswana showing remarkable acceleration.

⚡ A Divided Picture – While emerging economies are driving clean energy momentum, richer nations are moving more slowly.

• In the US, electricity demand rose faster than renewable output, leading to increased fossil fuel reliance.
• In the EU, weak wind and hydropower performance pushed coal and gas generation higher. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has now halved its forecast for US renewable growth this decade, reflecting the impact of current policy shifts.

🔋 China’s Clean Tech Dominance – China continues to lead not only in renewable generation but also in exports. In August 2025 alone, clean tech exports hit a record $20bn, led by electric vehicles and batteries – now worth more than double its solar exports.

🌐 Looking Ahead – The global energy landscape is entering a transformative era. From Pakistan doubling its solar capacity in a single year, to African nations rapidly scaling solar adoption, clean energy is proving both an economic and environmental opportunity.

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