Renewable energy generated more electricity than coal for the first time in history in the first half of 2025, as strong growth in solar and wind met all additional global electricity demand.
This was accompanied by a slight decline in coal and gas use, according to data from energy think tank Ember, which called it a “crucial turning point”.
Progress remained uneven by country, with China adding more solar and wind capacity than the rest of the world combined and India adding significant clean capacity while reducing coal use.
In contrast, weaker wind and hydro output in Europe caused a reliance on greater coal and gas, while surging energy demand in the US boosted electricity demand faster than renewable growth, with demand increased due in part to energy-hungry AI infrastructure.
Solar accounted for 83% of new generation.
The International Energy Agency expects global clean energy capacity to double by 2030, with solar photovoltaic technology providing around 80% of the increase.
Solar’s extraordinary cost decline – down nearly 99.9% since 1975 – has made it accessible even to lower-income nations.
Emerging solar powers include Pakistan, which imported enough panels in 2024 to generate 17GW of power – a third of its current capacity; while South Africa and Nigeria led the way in Africa, where panel imports rose 60% across the continent, while nations like Zambia and Algeria saw exponential growth.
Some solar booms, like in Afghanistan, have led to environmental side effects such as groundwater depletion.
Growth is uneven and may not yet offset the rising global electricity demand, not helped by headwinds for the offshore wind sector from cost inflation and policy delays.