In a landmark shift for the global power sector, renewables have for the first time surpassed coal as the largest source of electricity generation worldwide. According to recent analysis by the energy think-tank Ember, in the first half of 2025 wind and solar together produced more electricity than coal-fired power plants.
This moment reflects decades of investment, technological progress and political will. Solar panel costs have dropped substantially, wind turbine technology has scaled, and global deployment has surged. As the International Energy Agency notes, the electricity sector remains “the brightest spot” for renewables in the larger clean energy transition.
What the numbers show
Between January and June 2025, global electricity from renewables reached roughly 5,072 TWh, compared to about 4,896 TWh generated by coal.
Solar generation alone rose by nearly a third compared with the same period in 2024, while wind grew by over 7 % — enough to cover 83 % of the increase in global electricity demand.
The growth was concentrated especially in China and India, which added large amounts of wind and solar capacity and cut back coal generation.
Why this matters
Coal has long been the backbone of many electricity-systems, but it is also among the most carbon-intensive fuels. Reducing reliance on coal is widely seen as critical for meeting global climate targets. With renewables now growing fast enough to meet rising electricity demand, the path for decarbonising power becomes clearer.
This milestone also sends a powerful signal: sustainable energy is not just a niche or future promise—it’s becoming the dominant reality. That shift opens a new chapter where clean, scalable alternatives can replace legacy fossil-fuel infrastructure.
But challenges remain
Although this is a major victory, it is not an end point. The electricity sector is only one part of the overall energy system (which also includes heating, transport, industry). The IEA points out that while electricity from renewables is rising rapidly, we still need further acceleration to meet a 1.5°C warming pathway.
Moreover, the benefits are uneven. In parts of the U.S. and Europe, coal and gas generation rose during the same period — due to weaker renewables output and other local factors.
What this means going forward
For countries like Pakistan, this development is particularly relevant. A shift towards renewables offers multiple benefits: lower long-term energy costs, reduced air pollution, stronger energy security and alignment with global climate goals. If the momentum continues, the world can envision a future where electricity is clean, abundant and environmentally responsible.
Policy makers and investors must keep the momentum going: continuing to deploy solar and wind, expanding grid and storage infrastructure, and phasing out or converting coal plants. The pace of growth matters now more than ever.
Conclusion
This milestone—renewables overtaking coal globally—is a clear turning point. It proves that decades of work in innovation, manufacturing scale, policy support and market economics are paying off. While coal will not disappear overnight, the direction is unmistakable: the future of energy is renewable. Global collaboration, technology, and determination have changed the trajectory of our planet for the better.
Source:
Ember report: “Global renewable power output overtakes coal for the first time” (Oct 2025)
IEA: “Renewables — Energy System” analysis