Six charts show how clean power was world’s largest source of new energy in 2025

Clean power emerged as the dominant source of new energy in 2025, marking a significant shift in the global energy landscape, according to the latest Energy Institute statistical review of world energy. The report reveals that renewable energy—specifically wind and solar—added more to the global energy mix than any other single source for the first time in history. This milestone underscores the growing importance of electricity within the broader energy system, driven by increasing demand and the continued expansion of low-carbon technologies.

The report outlines a detailed timeline of developments throughout the year. Global energy supply increased by 1.7%, reaching a record high of over 600 exajoules (EJ). This growth was fueled by new records set by all major energy sources, including oil, coal, gas, nuclear, hydro, and renewables. Notably, coal achieved its highest level since 2014, hitting 166 EJ, while wind and solar experienced the fastest growth rate of 18.3%. Together, they contributed more to the energy supply than any individual fossil fuel source, highlighting their expanding role in meeting global energy demands.

Despite the dominance of renewables in terms of new capacity, fossil fuels still accounted for 86.2% of global primary energy supply. This figure represents a historical low, reflecting the ongoing transition toward cleaner energy sources. However, the report cautions against misinterpreting these statistics due to the concept known as the "primary energy fallacy." This term refers to the discrepancy between the raw energy input measured in primary energy and the usable energy output. For instance, the majority of energy derived from fossil fuels is lost as waste heat during combustion, meaning that their actual economic and environmental impact is significantly less than their primary energy contribution suggests.

The report also emphasizes that while the share of clean energy in the global energy mix remains relatively modest, the pace of its expansion has accelerated dramatically. Nuclear power, once a key player in reducing the fossil fuel share, saw its influence wane after the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. In contrast, the last decade has witnessed a surge in wind and solar installations, largely due to technological advancements and policy support in many countries. These factors have enabled clean energy to steadily close the gap with traditional energy sources.

Electricity demand grew even faster than overall energy consumption, increasing by 3% in 2025 compared to a 1.7% rise in total energy use. All of this additional electricity generation came from low-carbon sources, reinforcing the notion that the energy sector is undergoing a fundamental transformation. While data centers contributed to the increase in electricity demand, accounting for just 2% of total usage and 15% of the growth, the report points out that the electrification of industries such as manufacturing, heating, and transportation is driving much of the remaining demand. This trend indicates that the shift toward electric-based systems is becoming increasingly widespread.

China remained the leading producer of electricity in 2025, generating more power than the United States, the European Union, and India combined. This dominance reflects China's aggressive investments in renewable infrastructure and its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. Meanwhile, the United States and the EU continue to play pivotal roles in shaping international climate policies and advancing clean energy technologies.

Looking ahead, the Energy Institute expects the momentum of clean energy adoption to continue, albeit at varying rates across regions. As governments and private sectors invest heavily in renewable projects, the global energy mix is likely to evolve further in favor of sustainable sources. However, challenges remain, particularly in balancing energy security with decarbonization goals and addressing the intermittency issues associated with wind and solar. The coming years will be critical in determining whether the current trajectory of clean energy growth can be sustained and scaled to meet the rising global demand.