Clean Energy Growth Outpaces Global Electricity Demand in 2025
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Renewable energy generation grew faster than global electricity demand last year, with solar and wind power covering nearly all new demand. Fossil fuel generation declined slightly worldwide, and the share of renewables in the global electricity mix crossed one-third for the first time.
Facts First
- Clean power generation grew by 887 terawatt-hours in 2025, exceeding the 849 terawatt-hour rise in global demand.
- Solar and wind power covered 99 percent of new demand growth, with solar alone meeting three-quarters.
- The share of renewables in the global electricity mix reached 33.8 percent, crossing one-third for the first time.
- Fossil fuel generation fell by 0.2 percent worldwide, with declines in China and India.
- Battery costs fell 45 percent and storage capacity grew 46 percent, helping to shift solar generation to other parts of the day.
What Happened
According to data from Ember, an energy think tank, clean power generation grew by 887 terawatt-hours in 2025, surpassing the 849 terawatt-hour growth in global electricity demand. Fossil fuel generation fell by 0.2 percent globally. The share of renewables in the global electricity mix reached 33.8 percent, crossing one-third for the first time. Solar power grew by 30 percent and met three-quarters of the net rise in global demand, while solar and wind combined covered 99 percent of new demand growth. China and India saw declines in fossil fuel generation, with China accounting for more than half of global solar and most new wind output, and India setting records in both solar and wind generation.
Why this Matters to You
The accelerating shift to renewables may lead to more stable electricity prices over time as reliance on volatile fossil fuels decreases. The rapid growth in solar and wind, coupled with cheaper batteries, could make clean energy more accessible and reliable for homes and businesses. This trend suggests the global energy system is moving toward a more sustainable structure, which could have long-term benefits for environmental and economic stability.
What's Next
The continued expansion of solar and wind capacity... is likely to further increase the share of renewables in the global mix. Falling battery costs and growing storage capacity may enable more efficient use of solar power throughout the day, potentially reducing the need for fossil fuel backup. However, fossil fuel generation saw small increases in both the US and Europe in 2025, indicating the transition's pace may vary by region.