Renewable Energy Surpasses Coal as World's Top Electricity Source for First Time

In a milestone for the global energy transition, renewable energy sources generated more electricity worldwide than coal for the first time on record. According to energy think tank Ember, renewables contributed 34.3% of all global electricity compared to coal's 33.1% in the first half of 2025 — a crossover that the International Energy Agency projects will become permanent by early-to-mid 2026.

Solar power was the standout performer, growing by a record 306 terawatt-hours — a 31% increase. The world added a record 510 gigawatts of solar capacity in 2025, driven by plummeting costs and supportive policies across both developed and developing nations.

Overall, renewable electricity generation grew 7.7% to reach 5,072 terawatt-hours, while coal generation continued its structural decline. The shift was driven by massive deployment of solar and wind farms, improved energy storage solutions, and grid modernization efforts that allow intermittent renewable sources to be integrated more effectively.

China led the global expansion, installing more solar capacity in a single year than the rest of the world combined. But the trend was truly global — India, Brazil, the European Union, and several African nations also set records for renewable energy deployment.

Energy analysts note that while the milestone is historic, coal remains dominant in several large economies and the transition must accelerate further to meet Paris Agreement climate targets. Nevertheless, the crossing point represents a fundamental shift in the global energy system — one that would have seemed impossible just a decade ago.