A landmark milestone has been reached in the global energy transition, as data from Ember Energy reveals that renewable electricity generation surpassed coal for the first time in over 100 years in 2025. This significant achievement marks a turning point in the world’s transition towards cleaner power and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
According to Ember’s analysis, renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal accounted for a record 33.6% of global power generation in 2025, driven by rapid growth in solar energy. The solar sector in particular experienced a remarkable year, with record installations and declining costs making it more competitive with fossil fuels.
Coal, on the other hand, experienced a continued decline in its share of global power generation, falling to just 26.7% in 2025. This reflects a long-term trend towards decarbonization, as governments and consumers increasingly turn to cleaner energy sources to meet their power needs.
The shift in global energy trends is a testament to the growing momentum behind the energy transition, with many countries setting ambitious climate targets and investing heavily in renewable energy infrastructure. “This is a momentous day for the global energy transition,” said Dr. Craig Morris, a leading energy expert and co-founder of Ember Energy. “The fact that renewable electricity has finally surpassed coal is a clear indication that the world is moving in the right direction.”
The impact of this trend will be far-reaching, with implications for both energy producers and consumers. Renewable energy sources are driving down emissions and improving air quality, while also creating new economic opportunities and reducing energy poverty. As the world continues to transition towards cleaner power, the demand for renewable energy is only likely to grow, and Ember’s data suggests that solar will be at the forefront of this movement.
The news from Ember comes as the global energy community prepares to meet in Glasgow for the annual Energy Transition Conference, where experts and policymakers will discuss the latest developments in the energy transition and share best practices for a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
As the world continues to move away from fossil fuels, it is clear that the shift towards renewable energy is a key component of a global response to climate change. With renewable electricity now generating more than coal for the first time in over 100 years, it is clear that the energy transition is gaining momentum, and the future of cleaner power has never looked brighter.
