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Renewable Energy Surpasses Coal, Led by Solar Surge

10/15/2025

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Renewables Surpass Coal

In the first half of 2025, renewable energy globally surpassed coal, producing 34.3% of electricity versus 33.1%.
Solar power drove the shift, accounting for 83% of the increase in electricity demand, with costs falling 99.9% since 1975.
Emerging economies in the Global South lead growth, while the United States posts a 17% rise in coal use despite declining renewables forecasts.
China dominates solar production, contributing 55% of global growth.

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Renewables Lead Generation

Renewable electricity generation in Australia has exceeded coal for the first time.
In September, renewables produced 9.24 terawatt hours, compared with 8.8 terawatt hours from coal, according to Ember, the energy thinktank.
The milestone was aided by high electricity output from wind farms in Tasmania and solar farms across the country.
Global renewable electricity generation surpassed coal in the first half of 2025.

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Renewables Surpass Coal

In the first half of 2025, renewable energy globally surpassed coal, producing 34.3% of electricity versus 33.1%.
Solar power drove the shift, accounting for 83% of the increase in electricity demand, with costs falling 99.9% since 1975.
Emerging economies in the Global South lead growth, while the United States posts a 17% rise in coal use despite declining renewables forecasts.
China dominates solar production, contributing 55% of global growth.

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