South Korean media: For the first time in history, global renewable energy generation exceeds coal power, thanks to China and Europe!
On November 5, South Korean media NEWSTREE published an article stating that in the first half of this year, global renewable energy generation exceeded coal power for the first time.
The "2025 First Half Global Electricity Report" released by the international energy analysis company Ember shows that renewable energy generation, led by solar and wind power, accounted for 36.3% of global electricity generation, exceeding coal power's 35.8%. This marks the first time that renewable energy has become the main source of electricity in human history, over 200 years since coal became the primary energy source.
The report analyzes that the growth this year is particularly significant, driven by the accelerated expansion of renewable energy facilities in Asia and Europe. China replaced more than half of its new power generation capacity with solar energy, while the EU accelerated the phase-out of coal-fired power plants to achieve its climate neutrality goals. The United States also accelerated the transformation of its power structure, with wind power generation reaching a record high.
On the other hand, due to the slowdown in the global economy, energy efficiency policies, and strengthened climate regulations, coal power generation decreased by more than 3%. Ember commented: "This is not just a simple change in statistical data, but a structural shift in the energy industry. Renewable energy is beginning to become the cornerstone of the global grid."
However, experts point out that to continue this trend, the expansion of transmission infrastructure and the commercialization of energy storage technology must proceed in parallel. The output of renewable energy is unstable due to weather conditions, and without strengthening storage equipment and the grid, it is difficult to ensure supply stability.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has rated this trend as a "turning point in the energy transition," and predicts that by 2030, renewable energy will account for more than half of global electricity.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1847950968204288/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.