Renewables Overtake Coal in Global Electricity Generation for First Time
For the first half of 2025, renewables supplied more electricity globally than coal, marking a historic milestone driven by a 33% year-on-year surge in solar generation and 7% growth in wind power[2][6]. Solar alone met 83% of the increase in global electricity demand, while fossil fuel generation saw a slight decline[6].
Global Renewable Capacity Hits Record, but Urgent Acceleration Needed to Meet 2030 Targets
A new IRENA-led progress report finds that global renewable capacity additions reached 582 GW in 2024, setting a record, yet still falling short of the annual 1,122 GW required to meet the COP28 goal of tripling renewables to 11.2 TW by 2030[1][4]. The report highlights a need for annual renewable growth to accelerate to 16.6% and calls for scaling investment in renewables to at least $1.4 trillion per year, along with urgent upgrades to grids, supply chains, and storage infrastructure[1].
Energy Efficiency Progress Lags Far Behind Climate Goals
Global energy intensity improved by only 1% in 2024, far below the annual 4% improvement needed to meet international climate targets and keep the 1.5°C Paris Agreement goal viable[1][4]. The report urges governments to integrate robust energy efficiency measures into national climate plans ahead of COP30[1].
Businesses Accelerate Shift to 100% Renewables Amid Economic Benefits
Major corporations are rapidly transitioning to renewable power, with Mars powering all ten of its European snack factories entirely with renewables as part of its net-zero strategy[2]. Recent studies show 82% of companies have realized economic advantages from climate action, with 6% reporting gains exceeding 10% of