The news is official, and it’s a monumental milestone: for the first time in history, renewable energy has globally generated more electricity than coal in the first half of 2025. Solar and wind power have been the main catalysts to this exciting shift, which led to the small, yet significant reduction in the use of fossil fuels.
Here at GB Solar, we couldn’t be more excited by this historic turning point, which signals a fundamental shift in the world’s energy landscape. This isn’t just a fleeting moment; it’s a clear indication that the clean energy transition is accelerating faster than anticipated, with solar power playing a starring role. The IEA reports that Solar PV “is on course to account for some 80% of the increase in the world’s renewable capacity over the next five years”.
What the Data Says: A Historic Shift
Recent analysis from the energy think tank Ember confirms that in the first six months of 2025, renewable sources—primarily wind and solar—outpaced the world’s coal generation. Solar generation grew by a massive 31% year-on-year, meeting a significant majority of the global increase in electricity demand. This surge was so robust that it met 100% of the increase in global electricity demand, even driving a slight overall decline in fossil fuel use. This is a clear victory for clean energy technologies, demonstrating that they are no longer niche options but potentially the driving force of the modern power system.
Asia was largely responsible for the surge in renewable energy generation, with China and India leading the forefront. Reports show that both countries had shown a decline in their coal reliance by 2% and 3.1% respectively. The US and EU have still relied more heavily on traditional fossil fuels, with America showing the largest increase in coal reliance.
The future
The incredible growth of solar & wind power technologies worldwide proves that it is affordable, scalable, and potentially essential for meeting global energy demand. Further research conducted by the IEA (International Energy Agency) found that global renewables could increase to more than double by 2030. Whilst this will include bioenergy, geothermal and hydropower, it is predicted that Solar PV will make up 80% of this energy capacity.
The data is exciting and undeniable, and we will be keeping a close eye on further developments. If you’ve been watching the news and wondering about the right time to invest in solar for your home or business, this is your moment. The future of energy is slowly but surely becoming renewable, and we at GB Solar are ready to help you become a part of it.