Renewable energy surpasses coal for global electricity generation for the first time

npr.org

Renewable energy generated more electricity globally than coal for the first time in the first half of 2025. Renewables reached 34.3% of global electricity use, surpassing coal's 33.1%, according to Ember. China and India led this transition, while Western nations increased coal consumption. This shift slightly reduced global carbon emissions. However, rising electricity demand, partly due to AI and data centers, is testing renewable energy's capacity to meet needs.


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