Solar and Wind Surpass Coal for the First Time: How the Global Energy Landscape is Changing

Solar and Wind Surpass Coal for the First Time: Shifts in the Global Energy Landscape

We are sharing the interim report “Global Electricity Mid-Year Insights 2025” from the Ember analytical center. This report captures a historic milestone: in the first half of 2025, clean generation (solar + wind) exceeded the growth rate of electricity demand – and for the first time in global energy history, renewable sources surpassed coal in electricity production.

Solar Energy Surge

In 2025, solar generation grew at a record pace – +306 TWh (+31%), increasing its share in the global electricity mix from 6.9% to 8.8%. This single figure was enough to cover nearly 83% of the global demand growth in the first half of the year.

Wind Remains Steady

Wind generation added +97 TWh (+7.7%). While growth rates are lower than solar, wind continues to be a key pillar of the clean energy transition.

Overall Balance

• Renewables: 5,072 TWh (+7.7%)

• Coal: 4,896 TWh (–0.6%)

This means that, for the first time in history, clean energy overtook coal in its share of the global electricity mix.

CO₂ Emissions: Stabilization After Decades of Growth

The electricity sector showed signs of stabilization: emissions decreased by 12 MtCO₂ (–0.2%) compared to the first half of 2024.

Regional Dynamics

• China: Covered the entire demand growth with clean sources and reduced emissions by –46 MtCO₂.

• India: Experienced moderate demand growth (+1.3%), offset by the expansion of renewables and steady operation of gas plants.

• USA: Faced high electricity demand, requiring additional coal and gas generation (+33 MtCO₂).

• EU: Increased solar generation, but lower hydro and wind output partly compensated by gas (+13 MtCO₂).

Without the growth in clean energy, global emissions could have risen by approximately 230 MtCO₂.

Clean Energy Becomes the New Standard

Ember analysts describe this year as a structural turning point for the global energy system. Renewable generation growth fully offset demand increases for the first time, signaling the emergence of a new balance between economic growth and climate targets.

“We are seeing the first clear signal of a trend shift: clean energy can now meet the entire increase in demand,” says Małgorzata Wiatros-Motyka, Senior Electricity Analyst at Ember.

Further strengthening of this trend, experts note, will depend on:

• Development of energy storage systems for grid balancing

• Investment in flexible energy systems and Smart Grid technologies

• Supportive policies for developing countries

Sources and Further Reading

• Full report: Ember – Global Electricity Mid-Year Insights 2025 (PDF)

• Original publication: Ember Insights

• Additional reading via Glasp: Glasp PDF Reader

For Global100RE, this material serves as an important guide to understanding global energy trends and defining strategic directions for the development of renewable energy. It emphasizes the need for investments in energy storage technologies, grid modernization, and policies that support the transition to clean energy.