What's happened
In the first half of 2025, solar and wind energy generated more electricity than coal for the first time, driven mainly by China and India. Despite some setbacks in the US and EU, global renewable capacity is expanding rapidly, signaling a significant shift in the energy landscape.
What's behind the headline?
The shift to renewables marks a fundamental transformation in the global energy system. The data from Ember and the IEA confirm that solar and wind are now capable of meeting demand growth, especially in China and India, which have driven the surge. This indicates that the economic case for renewables is now dominant, with costs falling and technology improving. However, the contrasting policies in the US and EU reveal that political will remains a critical factor. The US's rollback of clean energy initiatives under Trump’s administration threatens to slow progress, risking a widening gap between demand and supply. Meanwhile, the economic benefits of renewables—such as job creation, energy security, and lower prices—are increasingly recognized worldwide. The next decade will determine whether the momentum can be sustained globally, especially as countries prepare for COP30, where commitments to accelerate clean energy investments are expected to be a central focus. The story underscores that while technological and economic trends favor renewables, political and policy support will be decisive in shaping the future energy landscape. This is a pivotal moment where the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy is no longer aspirational but operational, with clear implications for climate mitigation and economic resilience.
What the papers say
The reports from Ember, as detailed in The Japan Times, The Independent, and The Guardian, collectively confirm that renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, has reached a historic milestone by surpassing coal in global electricity generation in the first half of 2025. Ember’s data shows that solar and wind grew rapidly enough to meet demand increases, with China and India leading this shift. The Guardian emphasizes that this marks a 'crucial turning point,' while The Independent highlights the economic transformation driven by renewables, noting they are now the cheapest energy sources in most regions. Conversely, AP News underscores that in the US and EU, fossil fuel generation increased due to demand growth and weaker wind and hydropower output, illustrating that political and policy environments significantly influence progress. The divergence in these reports reflects the complex landscape of global energy transition, where technological advances and economic factors are aligned but political will varies. The consensus across sources is that the momentum for renewables is undeniable, but sustained policy support is essential to maintain and accelerate this trend.
How we got here
Over the past decade, the push for cleaner energy sources has accelerated due to falling costs, technological innovation, and international climate commitments. Major economies like China and India have led the transition by increasing renewable capacity, while political opposition in the US and EU has slowed progress. Recent reports from Ember and other agencies highlight a pivotal moment where renewables now outpace fossil fuels in global electricity generation, marking a potential turning point in the fight against climate change.
Go deeper
- How are different countries supporting this energy transition?
- What are the main challenges facing renewables in the US and EU?
- What impact will this have on global climate efforts?
Common question
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Why Are Renewables Now Surpassing Coal in Electricity Generation in 2025?
The global energy landscape is experiencing a historic shift as renewable energy sources like wind and solar are overtaking coal for the first time. This change is driven by rapid growth in countries like China and India, technological advances, and policy support. But what does this mean for the future of energy and climate goals? Below, we explore the key questions about this major transition and what it could mean for the world.
More on these topics
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China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.
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The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe. Its members have a combined area of 4,233,255.3 km² and an estimated total population of about 447 million.
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India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the second-most populous country, the seventh-largest country by land area, and the most populous democracy in the world.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.