Global Renewable Energy Generation Surpasses Coal Power in 2025

In the first half of 2025, global electricity generation from renewable sources, particularly wind and solar, surpassed coal for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the energy transition. Renewables grew faster than the global electricity demand, leading to a decline in coal and fossil gas consumption, with solar power alone meeting over 80% of the increased electricity demand worldwide. China and India played a leading role in this shift by significantly expanding renewable energy capacity and reducing fossil fuel use, while the US and Europe continued to rely more on fossil fuels. Analysts describe this as a crucial turning point where clean energy is not just adding capacity but beginning to replace fossil fuels. The International Energy Agency projects that global renewable capacity could more than double by 2030, with solar power accounting for 80% of new clean energy capacity. This shift reflects changing economics in power generation and signals the start of a more sustainable global energy system.