Global Shift Toward Solar and Wind Power: Impact on Fossil Fuel Stagnation in 2025

The rapid expansion of solar and wind energy in 2025 has been sufficient to meet all new electricity demand in the first three quarters of the year, according to Ember.

This surge indicates a significant shift in the global energy transition, with renewables now outpacing demand growth. Solar energy saw an increase of 498 TWh, representing a 31% growth, surpassing the total solar production of 2024. Wind energy also contributed significantly with a rise of 137 TWh, or 7.6%.

Together, solar and wind generated 635 TWh, which exceeded the global demand increase of 603 TWh, or 2.7%. This marks a historic moment where renewable sources effectively meet all new electricity needs without additional reliance on fossil fuels.

As a result, fossil fuel generation declined slightly by 0.1%, amounting to a reduction of 17 TWh in the same period. Ember projects no growth in fossil fuel energy for the entire year of 2025, marking the first such stagnation since the COVID-19 pandemic.

This slowdown is driven by notable declines in China and India, where fossil fuel generation decreased by 52 TWh and 34 TWh respectively. These reductions are attributed to the accelerated deployment of solar and wind alongside moderated demand due to milder climate conditions.

China, the largest contributor to fossil fuel growth historically, showed a structural shift, with reduced reliance on coal as cleaner energy sources met the demand. In India, a record increase in renewable capacity coincided with cooler weather, reducing demand growth.

This global transition underscores solar energy as the main catalyst for change, growing more than three times faster than other electricity sources in 2025. The shift signals a pivotal transformation where renewable energy begins to influence long-term energy policies.

The trends also reflect a broader climate influence, with milder weather moderating demand growth compared to the previous year, when extreme heat spikes heightened cooling needs. This indicates that renewable energy expansion is partly climate-dependent, with potential for further acceleration amid favorable conditions.

Historically, renewable energy growth has helped meet rising global electricity needs, but 2025 sets a new precedent where clean energy outpaces demand itself. The key challenge ahead remains maintaining this momentum, ensuring a steady transition away from fossil fuels, and achieving broader decarbonization goals worldwide.