CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WV News) — Global renewable energy generation overtook coal for the first time on record in the first half of 2025, driven by record solar and wind growth that exceeded rising electricity demand, according to new data released this week.

Electricity demand worldwide grew 2.6% — about 369 terawatt hours — during the first six months of the year. That increase was more than met by new solar and wind generation, led by solar, which surged 31% — or 306 TWh — covering 83% of the rise in global demand. Wind generation rose 7.7%, or 97 TWh. Together, they lifted renewables’ share of the global electricity mix to 34.3%, surpassing coal’s 33.1%. Coal generation fell by 31 TWh to 4,896 TWh, while total renewable generation rose by 363 TWh to 5,072 TWh.

Coal output declined in bo

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