Analysis from Ember reveals that in 2025, solar and wind power generated more electricity than the increase in global demand, marking a historic milestone and indicating a turning point away from fossil fuels.
Fresh analysis from the energy think tank Ember suggests that 2025 could mark a historic turning point in the global electricity sector, as solar and wind energy are poised to exceed incremental global electricity demand growth by a comfortable margin for the first time. This development indicates a shift in the balance away from fossil fuel generation, with renewable energy expanding rapidly enough to meet new energy needs and reduce reliance on coal and gas.
According to Ember’s data covering the first three quarters of 2025, global solar power generation surged by 31%, adding 498 terawatt-hours (TWh) of clean electricity compared to the same period in 2024. Wind power output also rose by 7.6%, contributing an additional 137 TWh. Together, these sources provided 635 TWh of new renewable electricity, surpassing the 603 TWh increase in worldwide electricity demand, which grew by 2.7%. As a result, the combined share of solar and wind in global electricity generation rose from 15.2% to 17.6%, while total renewable energy, including hydro, bioenergy, and geothermal, reached 43%. Meanwhile, fossil fuel’s share of power production edged down from 58.7% to 57.1%.
Notably, this expansion in renewables has induced the first signs of a peak or plateau in fossil fuel electricity generation outside of crisis situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic or previous financial shocks. For the first nine months of 2025, fossil fuel generation decreased marginally by 0.1%, or 17 TWh, signalling that further growth in coal and gas-fired electricity may halt if clean energy growth continues apace. This contrasts with longer-term data showing that total fossil fuel consumption across all sectors still grows, underscoring that the energy transition remains incomplete.
The most impactful drivers of this renewable surge are China and India, the two largest and fastest-growing electricity markets. China reduced fossil fuel generation by 1.1% (52 TWh) while increasing solar and wind output by 43% and 16%, respectively. Structural changes in China’s energy system mean that all new demand was met through renewables rather than fossil fuels. Similarly, India cut fossil fuel electricity generation by 3.3% (34 TWh), benefiting from record expansions in solar and wind capacity along with comparatively milder weather conditions, which tempered overall electricity demand. These countries’ proactive deployment of wind and solar infrastructure is helping them to lead the global transition.
In contrast, fossil fuel generation in the United States and European Union rose during the same period due to weaker renewable output from wind and hydropower. The U.S. saw a 17% increase in coal-fired power, while Europe’s coal and gas generation rose by 1.1% and 14%, respectively. This divergence is partly attributed to policy environments; for example, the U.S., under the previous administration of President Donald Trump, executed measures to support coal and restrict renewable investments. However, data from earlier in 2025 showed that fossil fuel use in U.S. electricity production fell below 50% for the first time, driven by a 25% rise in wind and solar generation, highlighting a complex and regionally varied transition.
California exemplifies a leading regional success story in renewable adoption within the United States. The state’s aggressive expansion of solar farms and battery storage systems has transformed its electricity sector. From January to July 2025, solar electricity in California increased 15%, reaching a record 54,709 gigawatt-hours (GWh), supported by a 75% boost in battery storage capacity. These battery systems, now exceeding 14,000 megawatts (MW), enable the storage of excess midday solar power for use during peak demand periods, reducing reliance on fossil generation. This has contributed to a historic 21% reduction in fossil fuel power generation in the state and a 40% year-on-year drop in July. As a result, solar accounts for 39% of California’s utility-scale power supply, with fossil fuels down to 26%, well below the national average of 55%. This model serves as an exemplar for other jurisdictions aiming to rapidly decarbonise power systems while maintaining grid reliability and controlling costs.
Nevertheless, the energy transformation remains uneven globally. While China and India show decisive progress in decarbonising electricity, the increased fossil output in regions like the U.S. and EU, driven by variable renewable generation and policy factors, reveals challenges in achieving consistent reductions. Moreover, despite the plateauing of fossil fuel power generation this year, fossil fuels continue to dominate total global energy consumption when all sectors are considered.
Looking ahead, the combination of rapid renewables expansion, supportive storage technologies, and shifting energy policies could enable sustained decoupling of electricity demand from fossil fuel use. However, industry analysts urge caution, highlighting that current fossil fuel use outside the power sector and fluctuating renewable capacity due to weather variability mean that a full transition will require continued investment, innovation, and regulatory support.
Overall, Ember’s data and complementary analyses underscore that 2025 is shaping up as a landmark year for the global energy transition, with the world crossing a threshold where clean electricity is not only growing but outpacing new demand, fundamentally altering the trajectory of industrial decarbonisation. This progress sends a clear signal to policymakers and the energy industry alike that renewables can provide the backbone of a sustainable power system, but sustained effort will be essential to consolidate these gains worldwide.
- https://3dnews.ru/1132435/solnechnaya-i-vetrovaya-energiya-vpervie-mogut-s-izbitkom-perekrit-vse-novie-potrebnosti-v-energii-v-mire – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/global-renewable-power-output-overtakes-coal-first-time-report-says-2025-10-07/ – In the first half of 2025, global renewable energy sources surpassed coal in electricity generation for the first time, according to a report by energy think tank Ember. Renewables such as wind and solar produced 5,072 terawatt hours (TWh) compared to coal’s 4,896 TWh. This milestone was largely driven by growth in China and India, where both countries significantly increased their wind and solar outputs, concurrently reducing reliance on fossil fuels. China, the largest electricity consumer, cut fossil-fuel generation by 2% and increased solar and wind power by 43% and 16%, respectively. India boosted wind and solar generation by 29% and 31%, resulting in a 3.1% decrease in coal and gas use. Globally, electricity demand rose by 2.6%, and this increase was met by a combined 403 TWh rise in solar and wind energy. Despite this global shift, fossil-fuel generation rose in the U.S. and EU due to weaker wind and hydropower output. The U.S. saw a 17% rise in coal generation, while Europe’s gas and coal generation rose by 14% and 1.1%, respectively. U.S. President Donald Trump supported coal through executive actions and policy pledges.
- https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/californias-solar-battery-combo-packs-transformational-punch-2025-10-03/ – In 2025, California’s aggressive expansion of solar farms and battery storage has led to a transformative shift in its electricity sector, potentially making it one of the most significant energy stories of the year. Solar electricity generation in the state surged by 15% from January to July compared to 2024, reaching a record 54,709 GWh. This growth, bolstered by a 75% increase in battery storage capacity, enabled a historic 21% drop in fossil fuel-generated power. Solar energy now supplies 39% of California’s utility-scale electricity—compared to 10.4% in Texas—with fossil fuels accounting for just 26%, significantly below the national average of 55%. Battery systems now exceed 14,000 MW capacity, allowing storage of excess mid-day solar output for use during peak demand. This led to a 40% year-over-year drop in fossil fuel electricity generation in July 2025 and a corresponding record reduction in CO₂ emissions. Despite historically higher electricity costs, California’s rates rose only 1% in 2025 versus 3.3% nationally, reflecting the price-dampening effect of solar power. The state’s developments serve as a blueprint for others aiming to cut fossil fuel reliance and invest in clean, cost-effective energy systems.
- https://apnews.com/article/abf7b587b038bf7580de1baee6576bbc – A new report by energy think tank Ember reveals that in the first half of 2025, global solar and wind power generation exceeded electricity demand growth, marking the first time renewables surpassed coal in total electricity generation. Solar power grew by a record 31%, wind by 7.7%, totaling over 400 terawatt-hours—more than the rise in global electricity demand. This shift indicates that renewable energy can meet rising electricity demand, suggesting a potential turning point in global fossil fuel use, which dropped slightly. The study analyzed data from 88 countries, highlighting significant trends in major markets. China and India led renewable growth, with both countries reducing fossil fuel use and emissions. However, the U.S. and E.U. saw increased fossil use due to lagging clean energy development. In the U.S., federal policies under President Trump have restricted renewable investment while supporting fossil fuels, potentially widening the gap between electricity demand and clean energy supply. Experts remain cautiously optimistic about global renewable growth despite U.S. setbacks.
- https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/fossil-fuels-generate-less-than-half-us-electricity-first-month-ever-says-energy-think-tank-2025-04-04/ – In March 2025, fossil fuels contributed less than 50% to the U.S. electricity mix for the first time on record, according to energy think tank Ember. This milestone was driven by a significant rise—nearly 25%—in wind and solar energy generation. While fossil fuel-generated electricity dropped to 49.2% from 57% the previous month, renewables hit an all-time high of 83 terawatt hours, accounting for 24.4% of the total power mix. The U.S. power sector is responding to surging electricity demand driven by AI-related data centers, which are projected to consume up to 12% of the nation’s electricity by 2028. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts power consumption to rise nearly 3% in 2025 from the previous year’s record levels. To meet this demand, the sector plans to add 32 gigawatts of solar capacity in 2025, potentially boosting solar generation by 33%. According to Nicolas Fulghum, a senior analyst at Ember, the U.S. electricity sector continues to pivot away from fossil fuels, with solar and wind power leading future growth.
- https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/global-renewable-power-output-overtakes-coal-first-time-report-says-2025-10-07/ – In the first half of 2025, global renewable energy sources surpassed coal in electricity generation for the first time, according to a report by energy think tank Ember. Renewables such as wind and solar produced 5,072 terawatt hours (TWh) compared to coal’s 4,896 TWh. This milestone was largely driven by growth in China and India, where both countries significantly increased their wind and solar outputs, concurrently reducing reliance on fossil fuels. China, the largest electricity consumer, cut fossil-fuel generation by 2% and increased solar and wind power by 43% and 16%, respectively. India boosted wind and solar generation by 29% and 31%, resulting in a 3.1% decrease in coal and gas use. Globally, electricity demand rose by 2.6%, and this increase was met by a combined 403 TWh rise in solar and wind energy. Despite this global shift, fossil-fuel generation rose in the U.S. and EU due to weaker wind and hydropower output. The U.S. saw a 17% rise in coal generation, while Europe’s gas and coal generation rose by 14% and 1.1%, respectively. U.S. President Donald Trump supported coal through executive actions and policy pledges.
- https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/californias-solar-battery-combo-packs-transformational-punch-2025-10-03/ – In 2025, California’s aggressive expansion of solar farms and battery storage has led to a transformative shift in its electricity sector, potentially making it one of the most significant energy stories of the year. Solar electricity generation in the state surged by 15% from January to July compared to 2024, reaching a record 54,709 GWh. This growth, bolstered by a 75% increase in battery storage capacity, enabled a historic 21% drop in fossil fuel-generated power. Solar energy now supplies 39% of California’s utility-scale electricity—compared to 10.4% in Texas—with fossil fuels accounting for just 26%, significantly below the national average of 55%. Battery systems now exceed 14,000 MW capacity, allowing storage of excess mid-day solar output for use during peak demand. This led to a 40% year-over-year drop in fossil fuel electricity generation in July 2025 and a corresponding record reduction in CO₂ emissions. Despite historically higher electricity costs, California’s rates rose only 1% in 2025 versus 3.3% nationally, reflecting the price-dampening effect of solar power. The state’s developments serve as a blueprint for others aiming to cut fossil fuel reliance and invest in clean, cost-effective energy systems.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative presents recent data from Ember’s 2025 Global Electricity Review, published in October 2025, indicating a high freshness score. The report’s findings have been covered by reputable outlets such as Reuters and The Guardian, confirming the timeliness and originality of the content. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/global-renewable-power-output-overtakes-coal-first-time-report-says-2025-10-07/?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
Direct quotes from Ember’s analysts, including Małgorzata Wiatros-Motyka, are used in the narrative. These quotes appear in the original report and have been cited in multiple reputable sources, indicating they are not exclusive to this narrative. The wording of the quotes matches the original sources, with no significant variations. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/global-renewable-power-output-overtakes-coal-first-time-report-says-2025-10-07/?utm_source=openai))
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is based on Ember’s 2025 Global Electricity Review, a report from a reputable energy think tank. The findings have been corroborated by multiple reputable outlets, including Reuters and The Guardian, confirming the reliability of the source. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/global-renewable-power-output-overtakes-coal-first-time-report-says-2025-10-07/?utm_source=openai))
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims regarding the growth of solar and wind energy, particularly in China and India, align with recent data from Ember’s report and other reputable sources. The narrative accurately reflects global energy trends, with no significant discrepancies or implausible claims identified. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/global-renewable-power-output-overtakes-coal-first-time-report-says-2025-10-07/?utm_source=openai))
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is based on recent, original data from Ember’s 2025 Global Electricity Review, with findings corroborated by multiple reputable sources. The use of direct quotes from Ember’s analysts, consistent with the original report, and the alignment of claims with global energy trends further support the credibility of the content.
