Clean Energy Outpaced Global Electricity Demand Growth for First Time in 2025

A Historic Tipping Point

For the first time ever, clean energy generation has outpaced the growth in global electricity demand, according to energy think tank Ember's Global Electricity Review 2026. Clean power generation grew by 887 terawatt hours in 2025, exceeding overall global electricity demand growth of 849 terawatt hours. Solar alone, which grew by 30% over the year, met three-quarters of the net rise in electricity demand. Combined with wind, these two sources accounted for 99% of new demand.

China and India Lead the Charge

China dominated the global expansion, accounting for more than half of the world's growth in both solar capacity and generation. The country crossed the historic milestone of 1,000 gigawatts of installed solar power in 2025, whilst also adding 138 terawatt hours of new wind generation. India also posted remarkable numbers, with a 24% jump in renewable electricity generation. Output from solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy increased by a record 98 terawatt hours, surpassing the country's own electricity demand growth of 49 terawatt hours. Wind and solar alone accounted for 75 terawatt hours of India's increase, reflecting a structural shift in its energy mix.

Fossil Fuels in Retreat

The surge in clean energy contributed to a decline in fossil fuel generation globally. India's fossil power generation fell 3.3%, with China recording a similar drop. Worldwide, fossil fuel generation fell by roughly 0.2% in 2025, making it one of only a handful of years this century without a rise. Renewables, including solar, wind, hydropower, and other clean sources, climbed to 33.8% of the world's electricity mix, crossing one-third for the first time in history.

Demand Still Climbing

Global electricity demand itself rose 3% year-on-year in 2025, driven by data centres, the electrification of transport, and cooling needs in emerging economies. The IEA's Electricity 2026 report projects demand will continue to increase at an average annual rate of 3.6% through 2030, with emerging economies consuming nearly 80% of additional electricity.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the milestone, grid congestion and storage capacity continue to constrain renewable integration in key markets. Ember expects solar to overtake nuclear power generation globally this year, cementing its position as a central pillar of the world's energy future.