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  • 🌱 Renewables Overtake Coal: A Historic Shift in Global Power Generation ⚡🌞

🌱 Renewables Overtake Coal: A Historic Shift in Global Power Generation ⚡🌞

Renewable energy has officially surpassed coal as the world’s largest source of electricity for the first time in history. Discover how solar and wind power are transforming global energy, why China leads the clean tech race, and what this shift means for the future of sustainable power generation.

Author

Green Glow
October 08, 2025

For the first time in history, renewable energy has overtaken coal as the world’s largest source of electricity, marking a defining moment in the planet’s transition toward cleaner, more sustainable power.

According to a recent report by the global energy think tank Ember, solar and wind energy met 100% of the growth in global electricity demand during the first half of 2025 — even causing a slight decline in coal and gas usage. This milestone signals the beginning of a new era where clean power keeps pace with, and even surpasses, global demand growth.

Table of Contents

The Rise of Renewables: Solar and Wind Take the Lead

Renewable energy sources have been steadily gaining ground over the past decade, but 2025 marks the year they finally took the lead.

  • Solar power accounted for an astonishing 83% of the total increase in global electricity demand.

  • It has been the largest source of new electricity generation for three consecutive years.

  • Over 58% of solar power generation now occurs in lower-income countries, proving that the clean-energy revolution is no longer confined to wealthy nations.

Thanks to a 99.9% drop in solar costs since 1975, even countries with limited resources can now install vast solar networks in a matter of months. This cost-driven accessibility is fueling a worldwide solar boom.

China Leads the Global Clean Energy Revolution

China remains the undisputed leader in the renewable transition. It added more solar and wind capacity than the rest of the world combined, allowing its renewable generation to outpace electricity demand and even reduce fossil fuel use by 2%.

Despite continuing to build coal plants, China’s dominance in clean tech exports is reshaping global markets. In August 2025 alone, its exports of electric vehicles and batteries reached a record $20 billion, more than double the value of its solar exports.

India and Developing Nations Join the Surge

India, too, has embraced the renewable wave. Slower electricity demand growth combined with massive solar and wind installations enabled the country to cut back on coal and gas.

Across Asia and Africa, similar trends are emerging:

  • Pakistan imported solar panels capable of generating 17 gigawatts (GW) of power in 2024 — about one-third of its total grid capacity.

  • In Africa, solar imports surged 60% year-on-year, led by South Africa and Nigeria, with Algeria, Zambia, and Botswana showing exponential growth.

These countries are harnessing solar power to reduce dependence on expensive and unreliable grid electricity — creating both economic and environmental benefits.

The US and EU Fall Behind

In contrast, developed economies have shown mixed progress.
In the United States, electricity demand rose faster than renewable output, leading to increased reliance on fossil fuels. The International Energy Agency (IEA) recently halved its forecast for new US renewable capacity this decade — from 500GW down to 250GW — citing policies under President Trump that prioritize oil and gas exports.

Meanwhile, in the European Union, a combination of weak wind performance and poor hydropower output forced a temporary return to coal and gas for stability. These setbacks highlight the importance of balancing energy systems and strengthening clean infrastructure resilience.

Unexpected Challenges of Rapid Growth

While the rapid expansion of renewables is largely positive, it also introduces new challenges.
In Afghanistan, widespread use of solar-powered water pumps has led to declining groundwater levels, threatening long-term access to fresh water. Studies warn that some regions could face severe water shortages within the next decade if sustainable practices aren’t implemented.

Such cases underscore the importance of integrated planning — ensuring that clean energy adoption doesn’t inadvertently harm ecosystems or communities.

The Sun Belt vs. the Wind Belt

Energy experts like Adair Turner, chair of the UK’s Energy Transitions Commission, note that countries in the “Sun Belt” and “Wind Belt” face very different challenges:

  • Sun Belt nations (Asia, Africa, Latin America) can easily leverage cheap solar power for daytime cooling and industrial demand, especially with the rise of affordable battery storage.

  • Wind Belt nations (like the UK and Northern Europe) face higher installation costs and long winter wind lulls, requiring costly backup systems and grid storage solutions.

Despite these differences, both paths are essential for a resilient global energy mix.

Conclusion

The world stands at a historic energy crossroads. For over half a century, coal dominated global electricity generation — but that era is ending.
With renewables now taking the lead, we are witnessing the birth of a new energy economy: one driven by innovation, affordability, and a shared global commitment to sustainability.

The future is bright — and it’s powered by the sun, the wind, and human ingenuity.

FAQs

Why is this milestone important?

It marks the first time renewable energy has generated more electricity than coal globally, proving that clean technologies can meet rising demand at scale.

Which renewable source contributed the most to this growth?

Solar power led the surge, contributing about 83% of the new electricity generation capacity worldwide.

What’s driving the slowdown in US renewable growth?

Policy reversals under President Trump’s administration, along with a renewed focus on fossil fuel exports, have cut the US’s projected renewable capacity additions in half.

Will renewables continue to outpace coal in the future?

Yes, if current trends continue — especially in Asia and Africa — renewables are expected to strengthen their lead as technology costs fall further.

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