- Renewable energy overtook coal in the global electricity mix for the first time in history during the first half of 2025.
- Solar and wind power grew faster than global electricity demand.
- Solar energy alone accounted for 83 percent of the increase in demand.
Historic milestone for renewables
Global electricity demand increased by 2.6 percent during the first half of 2025, equivalent to 369 TWh. The increase was met and exceeded by growth in solar and wind power. Solar energy grew by 306 TWh, an increase of 31 percent, while wind power increased by 97 TWh, corresponding to 7.7 percent. Together, these two energy sources delivered more than the total increase in demand, reports Ember.
Renewable energy grew by 363 TWh, an increase of 7.7 percent, reaching a total of 5,072 TWh. Meanwhile, coal power production fell by 31 TWh to 4,896 TWh. This meant that renewable energy surpassed coal in global electricity production for the…
