For the first time on record, global renewable energy generation has surpassed coal, as solar and wind power continue to surge worldwide, according to a report by energy think-tank Ember.

Record Growth in Solar and Wind

Global solar generation grew by a record 31% in the first half of 2025, while wind power increased by 7.7%. Combined, they added more than 400 terawatt-hours of electricity, exceeding the overall growth in global electricity demand over the same period.

Renewables now account for 34.3% of global electricity generation, overtaking coal, which contributed 33.1%. Malgorzata Wiatros-Motyka, senior electricity analyst at Ember and lead author of the report, highlighted the significance of this milestone:

"That means they can keep up the pace with the growing appetite for electricity worldwide," she said.

Total fossil fuel generation declined slightly by less than 1%, a small but meaningful step toward reducing emissions.

Drivers of Rising Electricity Demand

Electricity demand continues to rise due to factors such as economic growth, electric vehicle adoption, expanding data centers, population growth in developing countries, and increasing demand for cooling as global temperatures rise. Burning fossil fuels to meet this demand contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, fueling extreme weather events worldwide.

China and India Lead the Renewable Surge

China added more solar and wind capacity in the first half of 2025 than the rest of the world combined, while cutting fossil fuel generation by 2%. India also recorded unprecedented growth in solar and wind generation that outpaced demand growth, leading to a reduction in fossil fuel usage and emissions.

"This report highlights an encouraging step in the opposite direction of the idea that renewable energy does not reduce fossil fuel use," said Michael Gerrard, director of Columbia University’s Sabin Center for Climate Change Law.

Challenges in the U.S. and Europe

In contrast, the U.S. and European Union faced hurdles in replacing fossil fuels with renewables. In the U.S., electricity demand growth outpaced clean energy expansion. Policy changes, including cuts to clean energy funding and support for coal and gas, have slowed the adoption of wind and solar projects.

Similarly, sluggish wind and hydropower output in the EU contributed to increased coal and gas generation. As a result, fossil fuel generation and emissions rose in both regions.

Optimism Despite Obstacles

Experts remain cautiously optimistic about renewable energy’s potential. Amanda Smith, senior scientist at Project Drawdown, noted that despite U.S. policy challenges, renewables still have a significant opportunity to displace fossil fuels globally:

"I am more optimistic on the world scale, even if challenges exist in specific markets," she said.

The Ember report underscores a pivotal moment for global energy transition, demonstrating that renewable energy can meet growing electricity demand while reducing reliance on polluting fossil fuels.