Renewables Surpass Coal in Global Electricity Generation Led by China India

For the first half of 2025, renewable energy sources like solar and wind generated more electricity globally than coal, marking a historic shift in the energy landscape. This transition is largely driven by rapid renewable capacity growth in China and India, where solar and wind expansions have significantly reduced fossil fuel use. China alone expanded solar output by 43% and wind by 16%, while coal power capacity still sees some growth due to cautious grid management and economic considerations. In contrast, the US and EU have increased fossil fuel usage due to rising energy demand and environmental factors limiting renewables. Solar power, benefiting from dramatically decreased costs, accounted for most of the global renewable growth, outpacing coal as the fastest-growing electricity source for three consecutive years. Despite persistent coal projects in China, the overall trend indicates a turning point towards cleaner energy worldwide, with emerging markets leading the expansion.