Solar, Wind Power Surpass Global Electricity Demand in 2025

For the first time on record, global solar and wind energy growth has outpaced the rise in electricity demand, according to a new report by energy think tank Ember. The study highlights a major turning point: renewables generated more electricity globally than coal in the first half of 2025.

Solar power led the charge with a record 31 percent increase, while wind generation grew by 7.7 percent Together, they added over 400 terawatt hours of electricity, more than the total increase in global demand over the same period. This indicates that renewable energy can meet growing power needs, despite surging demand driven by population growth, electric vehicles, and rising temperatures.

"This is a turning point when we see emissions plateauing," said Malgorzata Wiatros-Motyka, lead author of the report. While fossil fuel generation dropped by less than 1 percent, it marks the start of a downward trend.

The report analyzes data from 88 countries and focuses on major markets - China, India, the US, and the EU, which together produce nearly two-thirds of global electricity and related emissions. China led the world in new solar and wind installations, cutting its fossil fuel generation by 2 percent. India also saw renewables grow faster than demand, resulting in a drop in fossil fuel use and emissions.

However, progress wasn't uniform. In the US, demand grew faster than clean energy capacity, and fossil fuel use increased. The EU faced setbacks due to weaker wind and hydropower output, causing coal and gas use to rise.

The report also warns of challenges in the US, where the Trump administration has reversed pro-renewable policies, halted wind energy projects, and boosted support for coal and gas. Experts fear these moves could undermine clean energy progress amid rising electricity needs, especially from growing AI and data center demands.

Despite policy setbacks in some regions, experts remain cautiously optimistic about the global potential of renewables to displace fossil fuels and reduce emissions in the long run.