Renewables Overtake Coal for First Time in 100 Years

For the first time in over a century, renewable energy has surpassed coal as the world's primary source of electricity. According to Ember's Global Electricity Review 2026, renewables now account for 33.8% of global generation (10,730 TWh), edging past coal at 33.0% (10,476 TWh).

This historic milestone represents more than just a statistical shift — it signals a fundamental transformation in how humanity powers its civilization. Solar and wind energy have been growing at unprecedented rates, driven by plummeting costs and accelerating climate commitments.

The implications are profound. As renewables continue their upward trajectory, the dirtiest fossil fuel is being pushed to the margins of the energy mix. This transition is happening faster than most experts predicted even five years ago, offering genuine hope that the worst climate scenarios can be avoided.

What's particularly encouraging is that this shift is occurring across both developed and developing nations. From China's massive solar installations to India's wind farms and Europe's green energy grid, the renewable revolution is truly global.