Solar and wind power met all of the world’s electricity demand growth in the first half of 2025, contributing to a small decline in fossil fuel generation, according to new analysis from Ember.
The data show that renewables are reshaping the global power mix, overtaking coal generation for the first time on record.
Global electricity demand rose by 2.6% – equivalent to 369 TWh – in the first six months of 2025 compared with the same period in 2024. Solar power accounted for 83% of this growth, generating an additional 306 TWh, a 31% year-on-year increase.
“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 marks the beginning of a shift where clean power is keeping pace with demand growth.”
Fossil fuel generation fell slightly, with coal declining by 0.6% and gas by 0.2%, resulting in a total drop of 0.3% (27 TWh). This modest decrease led to a 0.2% reduction in global power sector emissions. Renewables generated 5,072 TWh of electricity during the period, surpassing coal’s 4,896 TWh.
China and India both recorded declines in fossil generation as renewable capacity expanded. China’s fossil generation fell by 2% (58.7 TWh) as the country added more solar and wind power than the rest of the world combined.
India’s fossil generation also decreased, with coal down 3.1% (22 TWh) and gas down 34% (7.1 TWh), as clean energy growth outpaced relatively low demand.
In contrast, fossil generation rose in the US and the EU. Higher demand in the US and weaker wind and hydro output in the EU led to increased coal and gas use.
“This analysis confirms what we are witnessing on the ground: solar and wind are no longer marginal technologies – they are driving the global power system forward,” said Sonia Dunlop, CEO of the Global Solar Council.
“The fact that renewables have overtaken coal for the first time marks a historic shift. But to lock in this progress, governments and industry must accelerate investment in solar, wind, and battery storage.”
