Renewables now top global electricity source, overtaking coal for 1st time
Big news for clean energy: renewables have officially overtaken coal as the top source of electricity worldwide, according to a new Ember report.
In the first half of 2025, renewables made up 34.3% of global electricity use, while coal slipped to 33.1%.
This marks a real shift toward solar, wind, and hydropower as more countries move away from fossil fuels.
China and India led the way in cutting back
China and India led the way in cutting back on fossil fuels—Ember analyst Malgorzata Wiatros-Motyka said China's efforts have boosted its energy independence.
Meanwhile, coal use actually went up in the EU and US.
On a brighter note, Hungary, Pakistan, and Australia all generated over 20% of their electricity from solar alone in the first half of 2025—a strong sign that clean energy is catching on globally.