Solar and wind power together outpaced global electricity demand growth in the first half of 2025, marking the first time in history that renewable energy sources generated more electricity than coal, according to a new report by energy think tank Ember.
Global electricity demand rose 2.6 per cent in the first six months of 2025, adding 369 terawatt hours (TWh) compared to the same period in 2024. Solar energy accounted for 83 per cent of this increase, generating a record 306 TWh, up 31 per cent year-on-year.
Ember’s analysis found that the rapid expansion of solar and wind power not only met rising electricity demand but also displaced fossil fuel generation. Coal-based generation fell 0.6 per cent (-31 TWh), while gas-based generation dipped 0.2 per cent (-6 TWh). Despite a minor uptick in other fossil fuel sources, overall fossil generation declined 0.3 per cent (-27 TWh), resulting in a 0.2 per cent reduction in global power sector emissions.
“We are seeing the first signs of a crucial turning point,” said Małgorzata Wiatros-Motyka, Senior Electricity Analyst at Ember. “Solar and wind are now growing fast enough to meet the world’s rising electricity needs. This marks the beginning of a new phase where clean power keeps pace with demand growth.”
In total, renewables supplied 5,072 TWh of electricity worldwide in the first half of 2025, up from 4,709 TWh a year earlier, surpassing coal, which generated 4,896 TWh, down 31 TWh year-on-year.
While Ember called the 0.3 per cent decline in fossil fuel generation “modest,” it described it as a significant milestone, showing that renewable growth is now sufficient to cover total demand increases in several regions. The report predicted that fossil power’s share in the global mix will continue to fall as renewables expand.
Regional trends
The world’s four largest economies — China, India, the United States, and the European Union — continued to shape global energy trends.
- China led global clean energy expansion, adding more solar and wind capacity than the rest of the world combined. Its fossil generation fell 2 per cent (-58.7 TWh) in the first half of 2025, thanks to record renewable output.
- India also saw a sharp decline in fossil generation, with coal output down 3.1 per cent (-22 TWh) and gas down 34 per cent (-7.1 TWh). Clean power generation in India grew more than three times faster than demand, which rose only 1.3 per cent (+12 TWh) compared to 9 per cent (+75 TWh) in the same period last year.
- In contrast, fossil generation rose in the United States and the European Union. In the US, electricity demand grew faster than clean energy supply, leading to higher fossil use. In the EU, weak wind and hydro output increased reliance on coal and gas.
Ember’s findings highlight a pivotal moment for the global power sector, as renewable energy begins to outpace fossil fuels — signalling a long-term transition toward a cleaner, lower-emission electricity system.
Source: Economic Times