Renewable Energy Becomes the World’s Leading Source of Electricity in 2025

Solar Energy Drives Record Global Growth as Renewables Overtake Coal for the First Time

The global energy landscape has reached a historic milestone. In the first half of 2025, renewable energy overtook coal to become the world’s largest source of electricity.

According to the latest Global Electricity Mid-Year Insights 2025 from energy think tank Ember, renewables generated 5,072 TWh of electricity globally between January and June, surpassing coal generation, which fell to 4,896 TWh. The findings reveal that solar energy alone supplied 83% of global demand growth, increasing output by a record 31% (306 TWh), while coal generation declined over the same period. Overall, renewables’ share of global electricity rose to 34.3%, overtaking coal’s 33.1%, marking the first time in history that clean energy has led global power generation.

These figures don’t just reflect progress; they mark a structural transformation in the global energy system. With technology costs falling, policy frameworks tightening, and energy security rising to the top of national and corporate agendas, the balance of power continues to shift decisively towards renewables. For UK businesses and homeowners, the message is clear: those who act now to embrace renewable generation will secure lower costs, greater energy independence, and a measurable contribution to a net-zero future.

A Turning Point for Global Energy

The latest energy figures highlight a long-term trend towards cheaper, cleaner, and more secure energy – a transition already well underway in the UK. With grid energy costs still volatile and the cost of solar energy continuing to fall, more businesses and homeowners are looking to take control by generating and storing their own energy. This global transformation is being driven by a combination of forces that are reshaping how the world produces, consumes, and values energy:

• Falling technology costs – Advances in solar PV, battery storage, and smart energy management have made renewable energy more efficient, affordable, and scalable than ever before.
• Policy and market incentives – Net-zero legislation, ESG frameworks, and UK compliance schemes such as ESOS are prompting organisations to identify and implement cost-effective, low-carbon solutions, including solar and energy storage.
• Financial innovation – Innovative funding models such as Solar as a Service have eliminated the need for upfront capital, allowing energy intensive organisations to adopt renewable energy solutions quickly and begin generating immediate monthly savings without CapEx delays.

• Corporate and consumer pressure – Increasing expectations from stakeholders, investors, and customers are accelerating the move towards transparent, credible climate action across supply chains.
• Record levels of investment – Governments, investors, and corporations are committing record capital to renewable energy infrastructure, fuelling innovation and deployment.
• Grid modernisation and digitalisation – Upgrades to the UK’s power networks and digital control systems are making it quicker and easier to connect solar and storage, supporting a more flexible, renewable-led energy system.
• Energy security and grid resilience – Geopolitical uncertainty and grid instability have highlighted the need for UK based renewable generation and storage, strengthening business continuity and national energy independence.

The Opportunity for UK Businesses

For UK organisations, this global shift is more than a headline – it’s a signal to act. Energy prices remain high and unpredictable, the cost of solar energy continues to fall, and corporate reporting frameworks are increasing pressure to act on carbon emissions. At the same time, stakeholders from investors to customers are demanding visible, measurable progress on sustainability.

In today’s market, integrating on-site renewable energy generation is no longer just a responsible environmental step, it’s a strategic business decision that enhances resilience, reduces costs, and strengthens long-term competitiveness.

Many forward-thinking companies are already realising these benefits – apetito, one of the UK’s leading food producers, recently partnered with SolarSense to install over 2,800 solar panels and solar carports at its main manufacturing site in Wiltshire. The system now generates around 15% of the site’s total electricity demand, cutting energy costs and saving approximately 245 tonnes of carbon emissions each year – a clear demonstration of how on-site renewables can deliver measurable financial and environmental returns.

As energy and compliance pressures grow, organisations that take control of their energy strategy now will gain lasting financial and operational advantages, while reinforcing their commitment to a sustainable future. By combining solar PV, battery storage, and solar carports, businesses can:

• Significantly reduce operational costs through on-site generation, energy storage, and smarter consumption.

• Shield against energy market volatility and future price rises with long-term price stability from self-generated clean energy.

• Reduce environmental impact by generating renewable electricity on-site and cutting Scope 2 emissions.

• Strengthen ESG credentials and demonstrate measurable progress towards corporate sustainability and net-zero targets.

• Enhance resilience by reducing reliance on the grid and maintaining business continuity during periods of high demand or instability.

• Future-proof sites and infrastructure with visible, high-impact renewable installations such as solar carports: delivering both functional and aesthetic value.

• Achieve measurable carbon savings supported by real-time performance data and transparent reporting.

• Generate immediate savings and long-term financial returns with predictable savings and protection against rising grid tariffs.

• Show industry leadership by investing in renewable technology that supports sustainable growth and responsible operations.

• Create positive social impact by supporting community projects, local employment, and responsible reuse of materials where possible.

Power your Business with the World’s Fastest Growing Energy Source

The UK’s transition to low-carbon power is accelerating and solar energy is leading the way. With grid electricity prices remaining volatile and innovative funding models such as Solar as a Service removing upfront investment barriers, renewable energy has never been more accessible. Now is the time to take control of your energy future.