Renewables Surpass Coal in Global Electricity Generation for First Time in Over a Century
In 2025, renewable energy sources generated more global electricity than coal for the first time, marking a pivotal shift towards cleaner energy and emissions goals.
In a historic milestone for the energy sector, renewable sources of electricity have surpassed coal in global generation for the first time in over 100 years, according to data from energy think tank Ember. Renewables accounted for 33.8% of the world's electricity supply in 2025, edging out coal at 33.0%. This shift was driven by a surge in solar and wind power, bringing the globe closer to achieving long-term emissions reduction targets.
The significance of this achievement cannot be overstated. For over a century, coal has been the dominant source of electricity worldwide, powering industrialization and economic growth. However, its environmental toll, particularly in terms of carbon emissions, has made it a focal point for climate action. The fact that renewables have now overtaken coal demonstrates that the transition to cleaner energy is not only possible but accelerating.
Ember's analysis highlights that the growth in renewable electricity was largely due to rapid expansions in solar and wind capacity. Solar generation rose by 30% year-on-year, while wind increased by 15%. These gains were supported by falling costs of renewable technologies and supportive government policies in key markets such as China, the United States, and Europe. As a result, renewables are now the largest source of electricity globally, a position previously held by coal.
The implications of this shift are profound for both the energy industry and climate policy. For energy companies, it signals a need to adapt to a changing landscape where renewables are becoming the default choice for new power generation. For-profit companies like Turbo Energy S.A. (NASDAQ: TURB) are deepening their footprint in international markets, indicating that the uptake of renewables is likely to keep accelerating. This trend is expected to drive further investment in renewable infrastructure and technology, creating new opportunities and challenges for traditional energy players.
From a climate perspective, the milestone is encouraging but not yet sufficient. While the growth of renewables is a positive step, coal still generates a significant portion of electricity, and overall global emissions remain high. To meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, the rate of renewable deployment must continue to increase, and coal use must decline more rapidly. The data from Ember provides a clear signal that the energy transition is underway, but sustained effort and policy support are needed to ensure that this trend continues.
The news also has implications for investors and businesses. As renewable energy becomes more dominant, companies that are early movers in this space may benefit from growing demand. The role of platforms like GreenEnergyStocks, which provides information on companies shaping the green economy, becomes increasingly relevant for those looking to navigate this shifting landscape.
In summary, the surpassing of coal by renewables in global electricity generation marks a pivotal moment in the energy transition. It demonstrates that a cleaner energy future is achievable, but also underscores the need for continued acceleration to meet climate targets.