Renewables Overtake Coal as Leading Global Power Source in 2025

*TL;DR Renewable electricity became the world’s largest power source in 2025, while solar and wind supplied 99% of the year’s electricity demand growth.

Context A global energy analysis released by the think‑tank Ember examined electricity generation data from national grid operators and international agencies for the calendar year 2025. The team compiled reported generation figures, standardized units to terawatt‑hours (TWh), and calculated each fuel’s share of total output. The methodology allowed a direct comparison of trends across regions and fuel types.

Key Facts - Renewable generation surpassed coal for the first time since records began, making renewables the top source of electricity worldwide. - Coal’s share fell below one‑third of total generation, marking the first historic dip under 33%. - Solar output rose by 636 TWh, a 30% jump from 2024 and enough electricity to equal all LNG exports through the Strait of Hormuz. - Wind added 205 TWh, accounting for the remaining growth; together solar and wind delivered 99% of the 849 TWh increase in global demand. - Installed solar capacity grew by a record 647 GW, the fourth straight year solar led absolute capacity additions. - Fossil‑fuel generation slipped 0.2%, the first decline driven by a structural shift rather than an economic shock. - Nuclear generation reached a peak of 2,812 TWh, up 35 TWh, while natural‑gas output rose modestly by 36 TWh. - The average kilowatt‑hour emitted 458 g CO₂‑eq, 2.7% lower than 2024 and 16% lower than in 2005.

What It Means The data show a decisive pivot toward clean electricity. Solar’s 30% year‑over‑year growth and wind’s steady rise have displaced coal, especially in China and India, where fossil output fell by more than 50 TWh each. Without the surge in solar and wind since 2000, Ember estimates global fossil generation would be 30% higher and emissions 28% higher in 2025—equivalent to an extra 4,065 Mt CO₂‑eq annually. The shift also supports broader decarbonization: lower grid emissions, expanding electric‑vehicle sales, and record‑low battery storage costs (‑45% to $70/kWh) enhance flexibility for intermittent renewables. Watching 2026, analysts will track whether the momentum in solar installations and wind capacity can sustain the decline in coal’s share and further reduce electricity‑sector emissions.