Renewable energy sources may surpass coal in electricity production worldwide as early as 2025. This rapid transition, according to estimates from the International Energy Agency (IEA), is likely to occur even sooner than expected and will mark a significant historical milestone for the energy sector.
This is reported by Finway
Growth of Solar and Wind Energy
In its report, the IEA notes that by 2026, the combined share of solar and wind power in global electricity generation will reach nearly 20%. This is almost five times higher than ten years ago when their share was only 4%. These technologies are becoming the key drivers of the transition from traditional coal generation to cleaner energy.
“After reaching this milestone, the share of coal in total electricity production will fall below 33% for the first time in 100 years.”
Hydropower and Growing Demand for Electricity
Despite the rapid growth of solar and wind power capacities, hydropower will maintain its status as the largest individual source of renewable electricity: in 2026, its share is expected to be 14%. Meanwhile, the transition to cleaner energy sources is occurring against the backdrop of sustained growth in global electricity demand. It is anticipated that by 2025, this figure will increase by 3.3%, and by 2026, by 3.7%.
Overall, the transformation in global energy is a result of both climate commitments and the economic benefits of developing renewable technologies. Significant attention must be paid to weather conditions, which can influence the precise dynamics of these changes in the coming years.