The world has reached a landmark moment in the clean energy transition. In the first half of 2025, global wind and solar farms generated more electricity than coal power plants for the first time in history. This milestone marks a critical shift in the global energy landscape, showing that renewables are now capable of meeting the world’s growing electricity demands.
According to recent global findings, solar power generation surged by nearly one-third in the first six months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, while wind power grew by just over 7%. Together, these renewable sources accounted for more than 83% of the increase in global electricity demand—displacing coal and gas for the first time.
Key Highlights of the Global Energy Transition
| Key Metric (H1 2025) | Renewable Growth | Coal/Gas Impact |
| Solar Power Generation | +33% year-on-year | Reduced coal usage globally |
| Wind Power Growth | +7.2% | Reduced gas demand marginally |
| China’s Fossil Fuel Use | ↓ 2% | Renewables outpaced all other sources |
| India’s Coal Use | ↓ 3.1% | Renewables tripled power demand growth |
| US Coal Generation | ↑ 17% | Renewables unable to meet demand growth |
| EU Gas & Coal Use | ↑ 14% & 1.1% | Weather-related drop in wind & hydro output |
Global Leaders in Renewable Energy Growth
China: Driving Global Solar Expansion
China continues to dominate the global clean energy market, adding more renewable energy capacity than the rest of the world combined. This rapid expansion led to a 2% decline in fossil fuel usage during the first half of 2025. The country’s large-scale solar and wind investments are setting the pace for global energy transformation.
“China’s leadership in renewable deployment is accelerating the world’s transition toward clean energy,” said Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA). “Solar power will account for 80% of new clean capacity additions this decade.”
India: Emerging as the Second-Largest Renewable Market
India also witnessed a historic clean energy surge, with renewable generation growing three times faster than its electricity demand. This achievement led to a 3.1% decline in coal use and an impressive 34% drop in gas consumption in early 2025.
Małgorzata Wiatros-Motyka, Senior Electricity Analyst, commented, “Solar and wind are now growing fast enough to meet the world’s appetite for power. This is the beginning of clean energy keeping pace with global demand.”
Also Read
Setting the Record Straight on Renewables: Learn About Tackling Misinformation at Future Energy Wales
Regional Performance Overview (H1 2025)
| Region | Renewable Growth | Coal Usage Trend | Key Drivers/Challenges |
| China | Rapid solar & wind expansion | ↓ 2% | Massive government investment |
| India | Tripled renewable output | ↓ 3.1% | Decline in power demand; solar boom |
| United States | Renewables growing slower than demand | ↑ 17% | Increased electricity demand |
| European Union | Moderate solar growth; weak wind | ↑ 1.1% | Weather-related drop in output |
| Middle East & SE Asia | Rising solar installations | ↓ marginally | New projects in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan |
Why This Milestone Matters
This global milestone is more than symbolic—it marks the beginning of a sustainable energy era. The shift demonstrates that clean energy is now capable of scaling fast enough to meet global demand growth.
Dr. Emily Crawford, Energy Policy Expert, stated, “Surpassing coal means the world is finally bending the curve toward a low-carbon future. The momentum is clear—renewables are no longer optional, they’re essential.”
The transition also highlights a clear economic advantage: renewable energy projects are increasingly cheaper to build and operate than fossil fuel plants. As technologies mature and governments continue investing in green infrastructure, renewable dominance is expected to accelerate even further.
The Road Ahead: IEA’s Clean Energy Forecast
The International Energy Agency projects that global renewable capacity could more than double by 2030, with solar power leading 80% of that expansion. Emerging economies—including Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Southeast Asian nations—are expected to play a major role in this new wave of clean energy deployment.
“In addition to established markets, solar power will thrive in newer economies,” said Birol. “This global shift will redefine the energy map of the 21st century.”
Key Takeaways
- 2025 marks the first year renewables outproduced coal globally.
- Solar power met 83% of new electricity demand in H1 2025.
- China and India led the renewable expansion, reducing fossil fuel use.
- US and EU saw increased coal/gas usage due to demand and weather factors.
- Renewables are projected to double by 2030, driven by solar investments.
FAQs
Q1. Which countries led the renewable energy growth in 2025?
China and India were the top contributors, adding more renewable capacity than most other nations combined.
Q2. How much did solar power grow in 2025?
Solar energy generation grew by nearly 33% compared to the same period in 2024.
Q3. Did coal usage decline worldwide?
Yes, global coal use fell slightly as renewables met most of the new electricity demand.
Q4. What challenges did the US and EU face?
Both regions experienced higher electricity demand and weather-related issues that slowed renewable performance.
Q5. What role will solar energy play in the next decade?
According to the IEA, solar will account for around 80% of new renewable capacity by 2030.
Q6. Why is this shift important for climate goals?
It signifies real progress toward global carbon reduction targets and energy independence.