Renewables Surpass Coal in Global Electricity Generation for the First Time
For the first time ever, renewables accounted for 34.3% of global electricity generation in 2025, overtaking coal and marking a structural shift in the energy mix. This milestone is attributed to resilient supply chains, rapid solar and wind deployment, and robust global power purchase agreements, especially in Asia, which are accelerating the retirement of fossil assets and mitigating price volatility.[1][1][1]
World Breaks Renewable Records, But Urgent Acceleration Needed for 2030 Goals
The International Renewable Energy Agency’s new report finds global renewable capacity additions reached 582 GW in 2024, yet this pace falls short of the COP28 target of tripling renewables by 2030. To stay on track, the world must add over 1,100 GW annually through 2030 and double annual investment, while also speeding up gains in energy efficiency and integrating renewable targets into national climate plans ahead of COP30.[3]
IEA Cuts U.S. Renewable Growth Forecast Due to Regulatory Barriers
The International Energy Agency revised down its forecast for U.S. renewable capacity additions through 2030, citing regulatory bottlenecks that could prevent up to 200 GW of new renewables from being deployed. The report highlights the need for reforms to permitting processes and incentives for storage to align operational realities with national net-zero goals.[1]
Apple Expands Renewable Energy Projects Across Europe
Apple announced the development of new solar and wind farms in Greece, Italy, Latvia, Poland, and Romania, adding 650 MW of renewable capacity to power European customers’ use of Apple products. This initiative is part of Apple’s goal to match all global customer electricity use with clean energy by 2030, contributing over 1 million megawatt-hours of clean electricity annually across Europe.[4]
Global Renewable Investments Hit Record Levels Despite Political Headwinds
Global renewable energy investment surged to a record $386 billion in the first half of 2025, reflecting strong investor confidence even amid policy uncertainty. This momentum is bolstered by the continued economic competitiveness of renewables and the increasing shift of major corporations—such as Mars, which now powers all its European snack production with renewables—toward net-zero commitments.[2]
Grid Modernization and Storage Remain Critical as Renewables Meet All Electricity Demand Growth
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