Worldwide solar and wind power production has exceeded electricity demand this year, marking the first time in history that renewable energy sources have generated more power than coal, as per a recent analysis. In the initial half of the year, global solar generation surged by a remarkable 31%, while wind generation saw a 7.7% increase, according to a report by the global energy think-tank Ember. The combined solar and wind generation witnessed a growth of over 400 terawatt hours, surpassing the overall global demand increment in the same timeframe.
Renewables contributed to 34.3% of global electricity generation in the first half of 2025, surpassing coal’s share at 33.1% for the first time. This milestone indicates the feasibility of transitioning away from polluting energy sources despite the escalating electricity demand, through sustained investments in renewable resources like solar, wind, hydropower, bioenergy, and geothermal energy.
Malgorzata Wiatros-Motyka, the senior electricity analyst at Ember and the study’s lead author, emphasized that renewables can keep pace with the rising global electricity consumption. Concurrently, there was a marginal drop of less than one percent in total fossil fuel generation, signifying a turning point where emissions are stabilizing.
The report, which analyzes data from 88 countries representing a significant portion of global electricity demand, attributes the demand surge to factors such as economic growth, electric vehicles, data centers, growing populations in developing nations, and the escalating need for cooling due to rising temperatures. Meeting this demand with fossil fuel combustion for electricity generation results in the release of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, exacerbating severe and costly extreme weather events.
In a specific examination, Ember highlighted China, India, the European Union, and the U.S., which collectively account for nearly two-thirds of global electricity generation and power sector carbon dioxide emissions. China led in solar and wind capacity additions surpassing the rest of the world combined, with a two percent decline in fossil fuel generation. India also experienced record growth in solar and wind power, surpassing demand growth, leading to reduced fossil fuel generation and emissions.
While these countries made significant progress in reducing emissions, challenges persist in the U.S. due to policy shifts under President Donald Trump’s administration. The U.S. market faces hurdles as federal policies pivot toward supporting coal, oil, and gas production while hindering renewable energy development. Experts caution that these policy changes may create a future gap between electricity supply and demand, posing long-term repercussions.
Renewables still hold promise in displacing fossil fuels despite increasing demand, with opportunities for continued growth and displacement on a global scale. The outlook remains cautiously optimistic, with a potential for renewables to make further inroads and reduce reliance on fossil fuels both in the U.S. and globally.