It’s finally happened — renewable energy just overtook coal as the world’s main source of electricity as solar growth hits 'the largest ever observed for any source'

• Renewables now account for more of the world's electricity than coal
• They represent 33.8% of electricity generation compared to 33% for coal
• Solar is a key driver here, as it met 75% of the growth in global electricity demand

Renewable energy became the main source of electricity for the world over the course of 2025, finally overtaking coal in this respect, according to a new study.

A report from CarbonBrief carried the revelation made by a think tank called Ember. Based on Ember's calculations in its latest global electricity review, coal-fueled electricity generation dropped by 0.2% last year to 33%, while renewables maintained a steady upward trajectory to edge past coal, hitting 33.8%.

Wind and solar power catered for 99% of the growth in electricity demand last year (solar represented the majority of that – 75% of it, in fact). The International ...