Global fossil fuel power generation fell in 2025, driven by a historic decline in China and India, as rapid renewable energy expansion—particularly solar—outpaced electricity demand growth. For the first time this century, fossil generation dropped in both major Asian economies simultaneously. Renewables now account for a higher share of global electricity generation than coal.
Global fossil fuel power generation fell in 2025, driven by a historic decline in China and India, as rapid renewable energy expansion—particularly solar—outpaced electricity demand growth. For the first time this century, fossil generation dropped in both major Asian economies simultaneously. Renewables now account for a higher share of global electricity generation than coal. Key Findings on Global Fossil Fuel Drop Declining Generation: - Global fossil fuel-based electricity generation fell by 38 TWh, or 0.2%, in 2025. Historic Reversal: - China and India, which have driven fossil fuel growth for two decades, saw declines of 56 TWh (0.9%) and 52 TWh (3.3%) respectively, marking a historic turning point. Coal Falls: - Global coal power experienced a decline of 63 TWh, or 0.6%, falling to below one-third of the global electricity mix for the first time. Renewable Surge: - Clean energy generation rose by 887 TWh in 2025, exceeding the total electricity demand increase of 849 TWh, m...