Ember: Renewables Overtook Coal Globally for First Time Since 1919

Ember's Global Electricity Review 2026, published April 21, confirmed that renewables generated 33.8% of global electricity in 2025 — surpassing coal's 33.0% share for the first time since the early 20th century. Solar alone drove the milestone: generation rose 636 TWh (+30%), meeting 75% of all new global electricity demand. Together, solar and wind met 99% of new demand growth. Clean electricity rose by 887 TWh, slightly exceeding global demand growth of 849 TWh, causing total fossil fuel generation to fall 0.2% — its first meaningful decline outside of COVID. Globally, renewables now outpace coal in every major region except Asia, where coal still accounts for 52% of electricity vs. 32% from renewables. Battery storage added 110 GW of new capacity — helping 14% of solar generation shift from daytime hours to evening demand. Ember's analysis, drawn from 215 countries with 91 nations providing 2025 data, confirmed the global electricity sector has reached a structural turning point.