Global Renewables Outpace Coal as Solar Drives Historic Shift in Electricity Generation – EQ
In Short : For the first time, global renewable electricity generation has surpassed coal, producing 5,072 TWh compared to coal’s 4,896 TWh. Solar led the surge, accounting for 83% of new demand, while wind contributed 97 TWh. China and India drove much of the growth, though fossil fuel use rose in the U.S. and Europe. This milestone signals a major shift toward a low-carbon energy future.
In Detail : Global renewable electricity generation has overtaken coal for the first time, producing 5,072 TWh compared to coal’s 4,896 TWh. This milestone reflects the accelerating shift toward cleaner energy sources and marks a historic turning point in the global energy transition. Renewables are increasingly meeting growing electricity demand worldwide.
Solar energy was the primary driver of this growth, accounting for 83% of the increase in global electricity demand. Solar generation rose by 31% year-on-year, adding 306 TWh to the grid. Wind power also contributed, growing by 7.7% and supplying an additional 97 TWh globally.
China played a major role in this renewable surge, adding more capacity than the rest of the world combined. The country reduced fossil fuel use by 2% while rapidly deploying solar and wind projects. India also significantly increased renewable output, growing three times faster than its electricity demand.
In contrast, some regions experienced a rise in fossil fuel generation due to weather and policy challenges. In the U.S., coal generation increased by 17%, while Europe saw gas and coal generation rise by 14% and 1.1%, respectively. These regional differences highlight the complexity of the global energy transition.
The International Energy Agency projects that global renewable capacity could more than double by 2030. Solar is expected to remain dominant, with substantial contributions from wind, hydropower, bioenergy, and geothermal sources. This trajectory underscores the long-term potential of renewable energy worldwide.
Technological advancements and declining costs have accelerated renewable adoption. Improved solar panel efficiency, wind turbine design, and supportive policy frameworks have enabled countries to rapidly expand clean energy capacity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and driving sustainable growth.
Challenges remain in integrating variable renewable energy into existing grids. Expanded transmission networks, energy storage solutions, and smart grid technologies are essential to ensure reliable, stable, and resilient electricity supply as renewables continue to grow globally.
The surpassing of coal by renewables demonstrates the feasibility of a low-carbon energy system. Continued investment, policy support, and international collaboration will be critical in sustaining this momentum and achieving global climate and energy goals.
In conclusion, renewable energy overtaking coal represents a transformative shift in global electricity generation. With solar and wind leading the charge, the world is moving toward a cleaner, more sustainable, and low-carbon energy future, signaling optimism for both climate mitigation and energy security.
