A major shift in the global energy landscape is beginning to take shape. According to a recent analysis by Ember, renewable energy sources expanded at a faster pace than global electricity demand in 2025. This marks a significant milestone, suggesting that the world is gradually reducing its dependence on fossil fuels while meeting rising energy needs.
Clean Energy Growth Outpaces Demand
Data from Ember’s latest global power review reveals that clean electricity generation increased by approximately 887 terawatt-hours in 2025. In comparison, total global electricity demand rose by about 849 terawatt-hours.
This indicates that most of the additional electricity required last year was supplied by low-carbon energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower. It represents a clear turning point, where clean energy is no longer just supplementing demand but actively leading growth.
Renewables collectively contributed over one-third of global electricity generation for the first time, reaching around 10,730 terawatt-hours. This steady rise also pushed coal’s share below one-third, highlighting a gradual decline in reliance on high-emission energy sources.
China and India Drive Solar Expansion
The rapid expansion of solar power in China and India played a central role in this transformation.
China remained the dominant force in global solar growth, accounting for more than half of new solar capacity additions in 2025. The country also led in wind energy expansion. Interestingly, China’s fossil fuel-based electricity generation dropped by 0.9 percent despite growing energy demand, as renewables filled the gap.
India also recorded strong progress in renewable energy. The country saw significant growth in both solar and wind output, while hydropower continued to contribute a stable share. Notably, fossil fuel generation in India declined by approximately 3.3 percent in 2025, reversing a trend of increasing coal use seen after the pandemic.
Solar and Wind Reshape the Energy Mix
Solar energy alone grew by nearly 30 percent in 2025, supplying about three-quarters of the additional electricity demand globally. When combined with wind power, these two sources covered almost the entire increase in energy consumption.
Looking ahead, Ember projects that both solar and wind energy are likely to surpass nuclear power in total annual electricity generation. This would further accelerate the transition toward cleaner and more sustainable energy systems.
A Faster-Than-Expected Energy Transition
Experts believe that the progress seen in China and India, two of the world’s largest fossil fuel consumers, signals a faster-than-expected global energy transition. Their ability to expand renewable energy while managing economic growth highlights the impact of strong policy support and sustained investment.
The findings reinforce a growing consensus that clean energy is becoming the backbone of future power systems, rather than just an alternative.
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