The latest reports highlight a rapid acceleration in the global shift towards renewable energy, with solar and wind power surpassing coal for the first time in electricity generation, according to analysis by Ember. This milestone indicates that clean energy is beginning to meet the world’s growing electricity demand, marking a crucial turning point in the energy transition.
Solar and wind have grown faster than overall electricity demand in the first half of 2025, contributing to a slight decline in coal and gas usage compared to the same period in 2024. Ember’s Senior Electricity Analyst, Małgorzata Wiatros-Motyka, described this as a significant shift, showing that renewable energy is increasingly keeping pace with global consumption.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that installed renewable power capacity is expected to double by 2030, adding roughly 4,600 gigawatts of power—equivalent to the combined electricity generation capacity of China, the EU, and Japan. Solar photovoltaic technology will drive around 80% of this growth, followed by wind, hydro, bioenergy, and geothermal energy.
In response, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that a clean energy future is no longer a distant goal, urging countries to seize this historic opportunity to accelerate the global transition. He highlighted that while significant progress has been made, the pace of change is still insufficient to ensure a fair and equitable transition.
The reports reinforce findings from Guterres’ July “Moment of Opportunity” report and messages from world leaders at the recent Climate Summit, emphasizing that intensified efforts are required to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, in line with the Paris Agreement.
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