Renewables overtook coal as the largest source of global electricity for the first time in H1 2025, says Ember
Solar generation rose 31% YoY, contributing 83% of the global increase in power demand
China led solar growth, driving record global additions of 380 GW and pushing coal’s share down
For the first time, renewable energy has surpassed coal as the world’s top source of electricity generation, driven largely by solar power, according to global energy think tank Ember. In the first half of 2025, solar alone accounted for 83% of the rise in global electricity demand. Combined, solar and wind power outpaced global electricity demand growth, while coal generation fell by 0.6% year-on-year (YoY).
Ember’s assessment of the monthly electricity data from 88 nations representing 93% of global electricity demand shows that global electricity demand rose by 2.6% or 369 TWh during the reporting period. This increase was ‘more than’ met by increases in solar generation that grew by 31% or 306 TWh, and wind by 7.7% or 97 TWh.
Solar’s share in the global electricity mix rose from 6.9% in H1 2024 to 8.8% this year, led by China accounting for 55% of global solar generation growth thanks to the rush in installations during the period before it shifted to market-oriented pricing reforms (see China Solar Installations: From 100 MW In 2009 To 1 TW In 2025). During the period, many countries hit new records for solar generation in their electricity mix, the analysts point out.
Solar capacity additions also grew at a record pace, reaching 380 GW in H1 2025, a 64% increase over more than 232 GW added during H1 2024, according to Ember (see Ember: Global Solar PV Installations Hit 380 GW In H1 2025).
This consistent growth was sufficient to reduce the share of coal in the global electricity mix in H1 2025. Renewables rose by 363 TWh (+7.7%) to 5,072 TWh, increasing their share to 34.3%, up from 32.7% in the same period last year. On the other hand, coal fell by 31 TWh (-0.6%) to 4,896 TWh, with its share dropping to 33.1%, down from 34.2%, reads the analysis.
Major declines in coal use were reported in China and India as renewables, led by solar, stepped in to meet demand. In contrast, coal usage went up in the US (due to higher gas prices) and in the EU (low generation due to unfavorable weather conditions).
With solar and wind meeting all new demand, fossil fuel use in power is nearing its peak, according to the report writers. They see falling costs creating a chance for stronger clean energy goals. However, the world requires support from developing nations to overcome high costs and accelerate clean energy deployments to stay on track for net-zero.
“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, ensuring that clean, affordable, and reliable electricity reaches communities everywhere,” says Global Solar Council CEO Sonia Dunlop.
Ember’s report, titled Global Electricity Mid-Year Insights 2025, is available for free viewing on its website.
Ember’s report publication coincides with that of the International Energy Agency’s annual Renewables 2025 report, which confirms the trend as it projects solar PV to account for around 80% of the global increase in renewable power capacity over the next 5 years, yet lowers overall renewables outlook.