A Historic Turning Point

The world reached a milestone in 2025 that few saw coming. Solar and wind power grew faster than electricity demand itself. According to energy think tank Ember, renewables added 635 terawatt-hours in the first three quarters of 2025, outpacing global electricity demand increase of 603 terawatt-hours.

This marks the first year since the pandemic that fossil fuel generation hasn’t grown. Not slowed. Hasn’t grown.

Solar Takes the Lead

Solar energy led the charge with 31% growth, adding 498 terawatt-hours. By the end of September, solar generation had already surpassed the total solar output for all of 2024. Wind power contributed another 137 terawatt-hours, growing by 7.6%.

Together, these clean energy sources aren’t just alternatives anymore. They’re reshaping the global power landscape.

The Giants Shift

The transformation was driven primarily by China and India. In China, fossil generation actually declined by 52 terawatt-hours as clean power met all new demand, confirming a structural change in the country’s electricity system. India saw its fossil generation drop by 34 terawatt-hours, thanks to record solar and wind growth combined with mild weather.

These two markets together tipped the global balance. Ember forecasts that 2025 will be the first full year without growth in fossil fuel generation since the pandemic began.

THE HEART OF IT: For years, we’ve been told that transitioning to clean energy would be slow, expensive, and difficult. But 2025 proved the doubters wrong. Solar and wind aren’t just alternatives anymore. They’re becoming the dominant force in global electricity, outpacing both demand growth and fossil fuels. What makes this particularly hopeful is that it’s not happening because of some magical breakthrough technology. It’s happening because solar and wind have become so affordable and efficient that they’re simply the better choice. Countries are choosing clean energy not just for the planet, but because it makes economic sense.

SOURCE: Ember, “Solar and wind growth meets all new electricity demand in the first three quarters of 2025,” November 13, 2025
URL: https://ember-energy.org/latest-updates/solar-and-wind-growth-meets-all-new-electricity-demand-in-the-first-three-quarters-of-2025/