The energy transition reached a decisive milestone in 2025, as clean electricity sources met all growth in global power demand, preventing any increase in fossil fuel generation, according to Ember. This marks a structural shift in the global power system toward sustainable energy.
Solar power emerged as the dominant force behind this transformation. Global solar generation increased by 636 TWh in 2025, representing a 30 percent year-on-year growth, the fastest pace in eight years. Since 2015, solar output has expanded more than tenfold and now equals the total electricity demand of the EU-27. China led this surge, contributing over half of the global increase in solar capacity and generation.
Overall, clean electricity generation rose by 887 TWh, surpassing total demand growth of 849 TWh. Solar alone accounted for 75 percent of demand growth, while solar and wind combined met 99 percent, effectively stabilizing fossil generation. As a result, fossil power declined by 0.2 percent, making 2025 only the fifth year this century without fossil growth.
A major turning point came from China and India. In China, fossil generation dropped by 56 TWh, while India recorded a 52 TWh decline, driven by record renewable additions and moderated demand. This marked the first time this century that both countries simultaneously reduced fossil power generation.
The shift also reshaped the global energy mix. Renewables reached a record 34 percent share of global electricity generation, surpassing coal at 33 percent for the first time in 100 years. Coal generation fell by 63 TWh globally, its first decline since 2020.
Battery storage is now accelerating the next phase of solar growth. In 2025, enough battery capacity was deployed to shift 14 percent of newly added solar generation from daytime to other hours, enabling more reliable round-the-clock clean energy supply. Countries like Chile and Australia are leading in large-scale battery adoption, demonstrating how storage enhances grid flexibility.
The rise of clean electricity is also transforming energy security and economic dynamics. Lower-cost solar and wind power, combined with storage, are reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports while supporting electrification across sectors such as transport. The global power system is now entering an “era of clean growth,” where renewable energy is not only meeting rising demand but also laying the foundation for a sustained decline in fossil fuel use.
BABURAJAN KIZHAKEDATH
