Global clean power generation grew faster than electricity demand last year for the first time, marking a structural shift away from fossil fuels, according to Ember's analysis. Renewable sources including solar, wind, nuclear, geothermal and biofuels generated more electricity than coal-fired power stations in 2025, extending a trend that began in the first half of the year.

This milestone is significant because it suggests renewables are beginning to displace fossil fuel supplies rather than merely meeting new demand growth. Solar power alone increased global generation by 636 terawatt-hours - more than double the UK's annual consumption. The report found that global electricity demand grew by 849 TWh while fossil fuel generation fell by 38 TWh, the first such decline since the 2020 pandemic year.

China's role as the world's green technology supplier has expanded dramatically, with exports of solar panels, batteries and electric vehicles reaching $21.9 billion in March 2026, up 70% year-over-year. Over the past 12 months, these exports totalled $200 billion, about 6% of all Chinese exports. Wind and solar farms were installed at record pace globally, with 647 gigawatts of solar and 165GW of wind added last year - sufficient to power 200 million average western homes.