Full Breakdown
Renewable Energy Surpasses Coal for the First Time in Over a Century
4/22/2026, 4:12:09 AM
Historic Shift in Global Electricity Generation
In 2025, renewable energy sources, primarily solar and wind, overtook coal to become the largest source of electricity globally, marking a significant milestone in the energy sector. According to the think tank Ember, this shift is the first time since 1919 that coal's share of electricity generation has fallen below that of renewables, with coal accounting for just 33% of the global mix compared to renewables' 33.8%. This transition was driven by a record increase in solar power generation, which surged by 636 terawatt-hours (TWh), meeting 75% of the global electricity demand growth of 849 TWh that year.
Key Drivers of Change
The growth of solar energy was particularly pronounced, with a 30% year-on-year increase, reflecting a structural capacity expansion rather than mere fluctuations in demand. Solar capacity grew by 647 gigawatts (GW) in 2025, while wind power generation increased by 205 TWh. Together, these renewable sources accounted for 99% of the new electricity demand, pushing fossil fuel generation down by 0.2%. Notably, fossil fuel generation in China and India, two of the largest contributors to global fossil power growth, fell for the first time this century, with declines of 56 TWh and 52 TWh, respectively.
Implications for Fossil Fuels and Emissions
The decline in fossil fuel generation is expected to continue, with Ember projecting that fossil fuels' share of the electricity market could drop by 10-20% by 2035. This shift is crucial for global decarbonization efforts, as Ember estimates that without the growth of renewables, carbon dioxide emissions would have been 28% higher in 2025. The average emissions per kilowatt-hour produced globally fell to 458 grams of CO2-equivalent, down from 543 grams a decade earlier.
Criticism and Concerns
Despite the positive trends, some experts express skepticism about the permanence of this shift. Rahmat Poudineh, head of electricity research at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, cautioned that while renewables may meet average demand, they must prove reliable under extreme conditions to establish a lasting trend. Additionally, Yannis Bassias, a hydrocarbon industry consultant, noted that the current energy systems still depend on fossil fuels for stability, particularly in regions like Europe and Japan.
Official Statements and Responses
Simon Stiell, the UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, emphasized the importance of accelerating the transition to renewable energy, stating, “Clean energy is the antidote to fossil fuel cost chaos, because it is cheaper, safer, and faster-to-market.” He highlighted that geopolitical tensions have exposed vulnerabilities in fossil fuel supply chains, reinforcing the need for a robust clean energy strategy.
What's Next for Renewable Energy?
As the world moves forward, investments in renewable energy infrastructure, including battery storage and grid modernization, will be essential to sustain this momentum. Ember's report indicates that the rapid expansion of clean energy is not only reshaping the electricity generation landscape but also redefining energy security in a volatile world. The ongoing transition is expected to continue, with renewable energy becoming increasingly central to global economic strategies.
