Solar Power Surpasses Coal Globally as Countries Like Chile and Hungary Hit Record Shares

A comprehensive review of global electricity sources conducted by the energy think tank Ember revealed a historic energy transition in 2025. This analysis, which tracks power generation across the globe, showed that total renewable electricity generation provided just under 34% of the world's power. This figure, encompassing energy from solar, wind, hydropower, and biofuels, now exceeds the 33% share supplied by coal. This milestone marks the first time global renewables have collectively generated more electricity than coal, indicating a significant reshaping of the international energy landscape.

Solar power emerged as a primary driver of this transition, demonstrating substantial growth and integration into national grids. Many nations significantly increased their reliance on solar energy throughout 2025. Chile, a country with abundant solar resources, sourced 25% of its total electricity from solar panels. Hungary, a European nation, demonstrated an even greater shift, meeting 27% of its electricity demand with solar power. These percentages represent substantial increases in solar's contribution to their respective energy mixes within a single year.

The expanding capacity for solar generation also pushed its output to new peak levels during specific periods. Data from May 2025 shows remarkable midday performance in several countries. The Netherlands, for example, averaged 77% solar power generation at midday across that month, showcasing deep integration into its national grid. Hungary reached an even higher midday reliance, averaging 91% solar power during May 2025. Such figures illustrate solar's increasing ability to satisfy a substantial portion of daily electricity demand when sunlight is most abundant.

This global pivot towards renewable energy sources signals a clear trajectory for future power generation. The increasing shares of solar power in national grids underscore its growing economic viability and enhanced integration capabilities worldwide. As countries continue to build out renewable infrastructure, challenges related to grid stability and energy storage will become central. Observers will monitor how innovations in battery technology and smart grid systems support even higher proportions of intermittent renewable power. This continued evolution will define the next phase of the global energy transition.