For the first time ever, renewable energy has surpassed coal

In 2025, renewable energy sources (RES) became the world’s largest source of electricity, surpassing coal in terms of production. The share of RES in global electricity generation exceeded one-third for the first time, reaching 33.8%. 

This is reported by Ember.

Growth in solar energy accounted for 75% of the increase in global electricity demand, while fossil fuel production declined by 0.2%. This was the result of a structural shift, rather than one-off crisis events, as had been the case previously. Solar energy production grew by a record 636 TWh over the year, equivalent to the total demand of the entire EU.

China and India recorded a decline in fossil fuel use due to record growth in clean energy, which outpaced demand in these countries. The growth in solar generation was 18 times higher than that of natural gas—the only fossil fuel whose consumption in Russia and globally increased slightly. Solar remains the leading source of new generation thanks to the large-scale deployment of battery systems.

Analysts emphasize that the current fossil fuel-based energy system is vulnerable to geopolitical risks and price fluctuations. The transition to clean sources allows for meeting the entire increase in global demand without increasing harmful emissions. The capacity of new solar installations has reached 647 GW, ensuring this sector’s dominance in the coming years.

According to preliminary results for 2025, renewable energy generated about 34% of all electricity in Belgium, nearly matching nuclear power plants. This is a record figure resulting from the growth of solar generation and an increase in installed capacity.

One of the largest Western oil companies, Exxon Mobil, has published a forecast stating that demand for crude oil will remain above 100 million barrels per day in 2050, roughly at today’s level.