Renewables Top Coal, But That Could Reverse
According to two reports recently released, renewables generate more energy in the first half of the year than coal did. Don’t assume that will continue.
Ember reports, “Solar and wind outpaced demand growth in the first half of 2025, as renewables overtook coal’s share in the global electricity mix.” Solar and wind growth exceeded global demand growth in the first half of 2025. Coal growth was flat.
Solar represented about 75% of the pie, with wind as the balance.
The IEA report was more forward-looking. “The amount of installed renewable power is forecast to more than double by 2030 as the sector navigates headwinds in supply chains, grid integration,and financing.” China will keep the No.1 spot in terms of use of renewables. India will be No. 2. No one would have put India in that position just a few years ago, when the nation relied heavily on coal.
Coal Could Come Back
Renewable energy supply will grow, but, despite the pace, it may not be enough. AI data centers will be located around the world. The perception of many is that these will just be in the US. Not so.
If anything is true, it is that if data centers continue on their current trajectory, they will affect power supplies in most major countries in the world. Renewables may well not keep pace.
Renewables may have taken the lead. Coal could take it back.
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