Renewable energy sources produced 33.8% of global electricity in 2025, edging out coal’s 33% share to claim the leading position for the first time.
Solar Leads Record-Breaking Growth
Solar and wind power met 99% of the increase in worldwide electricity demand last year, with solar alone covering 75%. Ember’s latest global electricity review shows coal generation declined by 0.2%, marking the first instance where a shift to clean energy—not economic downturns or crises—drove this reduction.
Solar generation surged 30% year-over-year. The International Energy Agency’s Global Energy Review 2026 confirms that the absolute rise in solar PV output represents “the largest ever observed for any source.”
Electric Vehicles Boost Demand
Electric vehicles (EVs) emerged as a key factor, contributing 8% to global electricity demand growth at 66TWh—more than double the 36TWh from 2024. EV sales now exceed 25% of the total car market worldwide.
In the UK, EV sales rose 24.2% year-over-year in March, while diesel and petrol vehicle sales dropped 6.1% and 11.4%, respectively, amid rising fuel costs.
Battery Storage Enables Anytime Solar
Ember highlights solar’s momentum: “The accelerating build-out of solar power is increasingly taking place alongside battery storage deployment, enabling the next paradigm shift—from daytime solar to anytime solar.”
Battery costs fell sharply—20% in 2024 and 45% in 2025—spurring a 46% rise in deployment. This allowed 14% of new solar generation to shift from midday to other times.
Solar integration extends to consumer devices, including Windows 11 laptops, smart locks with mini panels, and wireless home security cameras, reducing wiring needs and adding to overall adoption.
AI Data Centers Pose Challenges
Despite these advances, surging power demands from AI data centers threaten progress. In response, Maine enacted laws restricting large-scale data center builds in certain regions.
