The latest report from Ember reveals a significant milestone in global energy production. For the first time, renewable energy sources have surpassed coal in electricity generation during the first half of 2025. This shift is primarily driven by rapid advancements in renewable technologies in China and India.
Renewables Outpace Coal in Global Power Output
Between January and June 2025, renewable energy sources produced 5,072 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity. In contrast, coal generated 4,896 TWh during the same period. This change marks a crucial turning point in the global energy landscape, according to Ember’s senior electricity analyst, Małgorzata Wiatros-Motyka.
Key Statistics and Contributors
- Global Electricity Demand Increase: 2.6% (369 TWh) growth compared to the first half of 2024
- Solar Power Growth: Increased by 306 TWh
- Wind Power Growth: Increased by 97 TWh
Regional Highlights
The shift towards renewable energy is particularly evident in China and India:
- China: Reduced fossil-fuel generation by 2%. Solar generation grew by 43%, and wind generation increased by 16%.
- India: Wind generation rose by 29%, and solar generation increased by 31%, leading to a reduction of coal and gas usage by 3.1%.
Challenges in Fossil Fuel Generation
Despite the gains in renewable energy, fossil-fuel generation saw an uptick in other regions:
- United States: Coal generation increased by 17%, while gas generation fell by 3.9%.
- European Union: Gas generation rose by 14%, and coal increased by 1.1%.
This complex energy landscape highlights the contrast in approaches to energy policy. In the U.S., recent executive orders aimed at supporting coal production have emerged, revealing ongoing debates about energy sources and climate change.
The report underscores the critical need for continued investments in renewable energy to meet growing electricity demands while addressing climate change concerns. The momentum in renewables marks a hopeful trend toward a more sustainable energy future.
