What's happened
In 2025, renewable energy has met all new electricity demand growth, with solar and wind leading. Fossil fuel generation has stabilized or declined, marking a shift towards clean energy. Experts see this as a turning point, with fossil share expected to drop further by 2035.
What's behind the headline?
The data from 2025 confirms a structural shift in the energy sector. Renewable sources, especially solar and wind, are now capable of meeting all new demand, reducing the need for fossil fuels. This is supported by the rapid growth in battery storage, which allows solar energy to be used beyond daylight hours. The decline in fossil fuel generation in China and India indicates a strategic move towards diversification and energy security. However, experts warn that the stability of renewables depends on flexible grid infrastructure and storage capacity. The current geopolitical tensions and energy crises are likely to further accelerate this transition, as countries seek to reduce dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets. This shift will reshape global energy markets, influence policy decisions, and impact climate change mitigation efforts. The next decade will see continued growth in renewables, with fossil fuels losing dominance, especially if technological and infrastructural challenges are addressed effectively.
How we got here
The global energy landscape has been shifting over the past decade, driven by technological advances, policy commitments, and geopolitical events. Countries like China and India have significantly increased renewable capacity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions have accelerated investments in clean energy infrastructure, setting the stage for the current transition.
Our analysis
The Guardian reports that last year’s renewable growth has been driven by record solar expansion, with China and India leading the charge. Al Jazeera highlights that 2025 marked a turning point, with renewables meeting all new demand and fossil generation stabilizing. AP News emphasizes that fossil fuel use has essentially halted, with a decline of 0.2%, and notes the role of battery storage in enabling solar energy use beyond daytime. Contrasting opinions from industry analysts suggest that while renewables are expanding rapidly, the stability of energy supply still depends on grid flexibility and storage solutions, which are not yet fully developed. The Oxford Institute for Energy Studies warns that extreme weather conditions could challenge the current trend, but the overall trajectory remains towards a cleaner energy future.
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