Renewable energy overtakes coal globally for the first time, driven by rapid growth in China and India.
Global Renewable Power Surpasses Coal, Signaling a Green Energy Milestone
Renewable energy has reached a historic milestone, generating more electricity than coal globally for the first half of 2025, according to a report by think tank Ember.
This breakthrough demonstrates the accelerating transition toward clean energy, driven primarily by robust investments and rapid deployment in China and India, two of the world’s largest electricity consumers.
The Ember report highlighted that renewable sources—including solar, wind, and other green technologies—produced 5,072 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity between January and June 2025, surpassing coal’s 4,896 TWh.
Experts view this achievement as a crucial turning point in global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and meet climate targets, as coal-fired power plants emit roughly double the CO₂ of gas-fired plants.
“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 growing appetite for electricity.”
This milestone underscores the increasing affordability, reliability, and scalability of renewable energy technologies, which continue to expand at unprecedented rates worldwide.
Global electricity demand increased by 2.6%, or 369 TWh, in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Notably, renewable sources not only met this additional demand but exceeded it, with solar power contributing an extra 306 TWh and wind power adding 97 TWh. This growth demonstrates that the energy transition can keep pace with rising global consumption while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
China and India were the leading drivers of this shift. In China, fossil-fuel generation fell by 2% as solar and wind energy surged by 43% and 16%, respectively. India recorded impressive growth as well, with solar and wind generation up 31% and 29%, allowing the country to reduce coal and gas usage by 3.1%.
These strides highlight the power of strategic policy support, investment incentives, and large-scale renewable projects in rapidly expanding clean energy capacity.
While some regions, such as the United States and the European Union, experienced temporary increases in coal and gas generation due to fluctuating demand and weather-dependent renewable output, the overall trend is unmistakably positive. The global energy mix is clearly shifting toward low-carbon alternatives, and the continued expansion of solar and wind capacity worldwide promises sustained momentum.
Renewable energy’s triumph over coal marks more than just a statistical milestone; it reflects a transformative shift in the energy sector, signaling opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability.
Green energy projects are creating employment opportunities in manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and research and development, particularly in solar and wind industries. Moreover, countries advancing in clean energy are positioning themselves as global leaders in the emerging sustainable economy.
This milestone also strengthens global climate commitments. By reducing coal dependence, countries can significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to limiting global temperature rise.
Scientists and policymakers alike view the shift as essential to achieving targets set under international agreements like the Paris Climate Accord, as it demonstrates that transitioning to renewables at scale is both feasible and effective.
Investments in energy storage, smart grids, and digital technologies are further enhancing the reliability and integration of renewables into national power systems. Governments and private sector actors are leveraging these innovations to ensure consistent electricity supply while maximizing the environmental and economic benefits of clean energy.
The milestone also has geopolitical significance. As renewable energy becomes more accessible and widespread, countries are reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels, enhancing energy security, and promoting self-sufficiency. For rapidly developing economies like India and China, this shift translates into long-term economic resilience, reduced energy costs, and increased global competitiveness.
Looking ahead, experts predict that renewable energy will continue its upward trajectory, outpacing coal and other fossil fuels in annual generation within the next few years. Technological innovation, cost declines, and supportive policies are expected to sustain this growth, reinforcing the global transition to a low-carbon energy system.
In conclusion, surpassing coal in global electricity generation represents a landmark moment in the clean energy revolution. With China and India leading the charge, renewable energy is proving its ability to meet rising demand sustainably, reduce carbon emissions, and provide economic and social benefits.
This achievement marks a historic turning point in humanity’s path toward a greener, more resilient, and sustainable energy future.
