Renewable energy generation has overtaken coal for the first time, marking a major global milestone, according to Ember’s Mid-Year Electricity Insights 2025.
In the first half of 2025, global electricity demand rose 2,6% (+369 TWh) while solar generation surged 31% (+306 TWh) and wind 7,7% (+97 TWh). Together, these exceeded total demand growth, pushing renewables’ share of global generation to 34,3% ahead of coal’s 33,1%.
“This marks a crucial turning point,” says Ember Senior Analyst Małgorzata Wiatros-Motyka, noting that clean power growth is now “keeping pace with demand”.
Much of the increase came from China and India where renewable generation outpaced demand growth and power-sector emissions declined. China alone delivered 55% of global solar and 82% of global wind expansion.
South Africa remains one of the most coal-dependent grids in the world. Ember’s 2024 data shows that fossil fuels supplied about 83% of domestic electricity while low-carbon sources – renewables and nuclear – accounted for just 17%.
This gap carries growing consequences as the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) takes full effect in 2026. The carbon-pricing regime will penalise exporters reliant on high-emission electricity, making grid decarbonisation not only an environmental priority but a trade necessity.
Industry bodies including the National Business Initiative, Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies and the Minerals Council South Africa have warned that a delayed transition could undermine export competitiveness under CBAM.
