Renewable Energy Overtakes Coal as Dominant Power Source

Recent analysis revealed a significant shift in the global energy landscape. Renewable energy has officially surpassed coal as the dominant power source for the first time, according to Ember’s energy report for the first half of 2025. This report was based on data collected from 88 countries.

Key Findings from the Ember Report

• Electricity Demand Growth: Global electricity demand rose by 2.6 percent, equating to an increase of 369 terawatt-hours (TWh).
• Renewable Contributions: Solar energy alone contributed 83 percent of this rise, adding 306 TWh or a 31 percent increase, while wind energy added 97 TWh, marking a 7.7 percent growth.
• Coal Generation Decline: Overall fossil fuel generation experienced a minor decline of 0.3 percent, with notable reductions in China and India.

Renewables Take the Lead

The share of renewable energy sources increased from 32.7 percent to 34.3 percent, while coal’s contribution fell from 34.2 percent to 33.1 percent. This marks a pivotal moment in energy production, highlighting the growing reliance on solar and wind power.

Regional Insights

• China: Accounted for 55 percent of global solar growth.
• United States: Contributed 14 percent to global solar growth.
• European Union: Followed closely, generating 12 percent of this increase.
• India: Contributed 5.6 percent, and Brazil added 3.2 percent.

Many countries set new records for solar energy generation, with four nations now producing over 25 percent of their electricity from solar sources. Additionally, 29 countries surpassed the milestone of generating 10 percent of their electricity from renewables.

The Future of Energy

Ember’s senior electricity analyst, Małgorzata Wiatros-Motyka, noted that this turning point indicates the increasing ability of renewables to meet rising global electricity demands. As technology costs continue to decrease, embracing solar and wind energy offers substantial economic, social, and health advantages.

Further insights were provided by the International Energy Agency (IEA), which projected that global renewable energy capacity could more than double by the end of the decade. With solar expected to lead this growth, IEA executive director Fatih Birol emphasized China’s position as the primary market for renewables, with India following closely behind.

Challenges Ahead

Despite this progress, challenges remain. Coal production still holds a notable presence, particularly in various regions. Furthermore, the U.S. has opened public lands for oil, gas, and coal exploration, potentially destabilizing the momentum gained by renewable sources.

Current policies, including the proposed repeal of environmental regulations governing coal emissions and wastewater pollution, could hinder progress toward a cleaner energy future. Experts express caution, suggesting that while the market shows a decline in coal viability, significant policy changes may impact long-term trends.

As we advance, it remains essential to monitor developments in the global energy sector, maintaining a focus on sustainability and the continued transition towards renewable energy dominance.