The Rise of Renewable Energy Overtakes Coal as Electricity Source

The world continues to grapple with the escalating threat of climate change. Meanwhile, fossil fuel production remains high, driving up carbon emissions and worsening global warming. Yet amid these challenges, a hopeful shift is underway. Several countries are rapidly expanding renewable energy usage, opening the door to a new era powered by solar and wind.

Global Renewable Energy Overtakes Coal

For the first time, renewable energy overtook coal as the world’s primary source of electricity in the first half of 2025. According to a report by Ember, global electricity demand grew by 2.6 %, and this increase was entirely met by rises in solar and wind output. This increase pushed renewables’ share from 32.7% to 34.4%. Meanwhile, coal generation fell from 34.2% to 33.1%.

The drop in coal use was particularly notable in China and India. China boosted its solar generation by 43% (168 TWh) and wind by 16% (79 TWh), while cutting fossil‑fuel‑based electricity by 2% (56 TWh). Meanwhile, India increased its solar output by 25% (17 TWh) and wind by 29% (11 TWh), enabling a decline of approximately 3.1% (22 TWh) in coal generation.

Regional Gaps in Renewable Energy Progress

While global renewable energy continues to grow, the pace of transition differs across regions. In the United States, electricity demand rose faster than renewable energy output, leading to a 17% rise in coal generation in the first half of the year. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has also cut its forecast for the country’s renewable growth this decade from 500 GW to 250 GW by 2030, reflecting slower progress due to policy changes and project delays.

Across Europe, renewable progress slowed as weaker wind and hydropower performance forced greater reliance on fossil fuels. Gas generation rose by 14% and coal by 1.1%, even as solar power continued to grow. These fluctuations highlight the region’s vulnerability to weather patterns and the need for stronger grid resilience and storage capacity.

Bridging the Global Renewable Energy Divide

Despite record growth in renewable energy capacity, significant regional disparities highlight an urgent need for equitable expansion to meet global net-zero goals. Over 70% of new renewable capacity emerged in Asia, led by China, whereas Africa and parts of Latin America lag behind due to financial, infrastructural, and policy barriers.

Bridging this gap requires scaling access to finance, strengthening local policy frameworks, and enhancing technology transfer. Initiatives to mobilize capital and support capacity-building across vulnerable areas must be strengthened and implemented with the just transition principle at its core. With stronger, accelerated, and equitable progress, the world could move closer to a net-zero future powered by clean, affordable energy.

Editor: Nazalea Kusuma & Kresentia Madina

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