Renewables overtook coal in the power mix

Electricity is the frontline of the clean-energy transition, and it just passed a milestone. In 2025 renewable sources — hydro, wind, solar and others — supplied about 33.8% of global electricity, edging past coal at 33.0% for the first time in about 100 years.

Solar is doing the heavy lifting

Solar power reached about 8.8% of global electricity in 2025, up roughly 30% in a single year, and has been the fastest-growing electricity source for two decades. Together, solar and wind supplied close to 99% of the growth in electricity demand in 2025, meaning almost all new demand was met without extra fossil generation.

What it does and does not mean

Crossing the renewables-over-coal line is symbolically large, but fossil fuels still generate the majority of electricity when gas is included, and total power-sector emissions are only just plateauing. The transition is happening fastest in the power sector; transport, heating and industry lag further behind.

For the first time in a century, the world made more electricity from renewables than from coal.

Why the power mix is a lead indicator

Because electricity is easier to decarbonise than most other sectors — and because electrifying cars, heat and industry shifts their emissions onto the grid — the cleanliness of electricity is a leading gauge of the whole transition. On that gauge, 2025 was a turning point.