IEA Projects Renewables to Surpass Coal as World’s Top Electricity Source by 2026
The International Energy Agency (IEA) now projects that renewable energy—including wind, solar, hydro, bioenergy, and geothermal—will overtake coal as the leading source of global electricity by 2026, with wind and solar expected to provide nearly 20% of electricity next year and renewables reaching 36% of the global mix[1]. This shift is driven by rapid growth in wind and solar output, which are anticipated to meet over 90% of rising global electricity demand through 2026[1].
Asia Dominates Global Renewable Energy Expansion; Africa Lags
According to IRENA’s 2025 statistics, global renewable energy capacity grew by over 15% in 2024—a record-breaking year—with Asia accounting for 71% of new installations, while Africa and several other regions contributed less than 3% collectively[3]. Solar and wind dominated the expansion, making up 97.5% of all net new capacity, but the current growth rate remains below what is needed to meet the global target of tripling renewables by 2030[3].
US Department of the Interior Tightens Permitting for Wind and Solar Projects
The US Department of the Interior announced that all wind and solar projects on federal lands now require the personal sign-off of the Interior Secretary for permitting, leases, and related approvals[4]. The agency also eliminated longstanding fee discounts for these projects and will review existing regulations within 45 days to remove any preferential treatment for renewables over dispatchable sources[4].
China Adds 268 GW of Renewables in First Half of 2025
China installed 268 GW of new renewable energy capacity in the first half of 2025, accounting for 91.5% of all new power capacity built in the country so far this year[1]. This underscores China’s continued leadership in driving global renewable energy growth[1].
US Congress Redirects Billions from Clean Energy to Advanced Nuclear
A new bill in the US House would rescind $5.1 billion from previously allocated Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds for