A Historic Shift in the World’s Energy Mix
For the first time in history, renewable energy sources have overtaken coal as the world’s main source of electricity, according to a new report by the energy research group Ember. The report shows that in the first half of 2025, renewable electricity accounted for 34.3% of global consumption, while coal fell to 33.1%.
Renewables include energy generated from solar, wind, and hydro sources, whereas coal and natural gas remain the primary fossil fuels used to produce power.
China and India Lead the Transition
Emerging economies such as China and India have led the shift toward cleaner energy, investing heavily in infrastructure that supports sustainable growth. Meanwhile, some advanced economies, including the European Union and the United States, increased coal consumption during the same period.
Despite these regional differences, global coal generation declined by 0.6% compared to the previous year. Ember analysts note that China’s strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels has enhanced its energy independence by limiting the need for foreign imports.
Progress and Infrastructure Challenges
Countries such as Hungary, Pakistan, and Australia achieved record levels of solar generation, producing more than 20% of their electricity from solar power. Consequently, global carbon dioxide emissions slightly decreased in the first half of the year as solar and wind energy growth outpaced overall demand.
Experts warn, however, that rising electricity demand —driven by data centers, artificial intelligence, and cryptocurrency operations— may challenge the ability of renewables to meet consumption needs.
In the long term, analysts agree that wind and solar power are becoming the foundation of a more affordable and sustainable energy system. The dramatic drop of over 90% in solar panel costs, largely driven by Chinese manufacturing, represents a key milestone in the global energy transition.
