In 2025, the world is set to reach a historic energy milestone: for the first time, renewable energy sources—mainly solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy—are projected to generate more electricity globally than coal. This shift marks the culmination of over a decade of rapid clean energy expansion, supported by falling costs, supportive policies, and growing global consensus on the need for decarbonization. Renewables are expected to account for more than one-third of global electricity production, while coal’s share continues its steady decline, falling below one-third for the first time in more than a century.
The trend is powered primarily by record growth in solar and wind installations. Solar capacity alone has more than doubled in the last three years, making it the single largest source of new generation capacity worldwide. Wind power continues to expand as well, particularly in Asia, North America, and Europe. Hydropower remains a major contributor in many countries, though its growth has slowed compared to other renewables. These sources, taken together, now provide a cleaner and more diverse electricity mix than at any point in modern history, reshaping power grids and utility markets across continents.
While this transition marks clear environmental progress, it also presents major implementation challenges. The integration of intermittent renewable energy requires substantial investment in grid infrastructure, storage solutions, and flexible demand systems. Just as crucial is the need for strong community engagement and transparent project planning. Wind farms, solar parks, and transmission corridors must be developed in a way that respects local land rights, ecosystems, and social dynamics. As renewables take center stage, ensuring their deployment is both equitable and sustainable will be critical to maintaining public trust and a long-term social license to operate.