Renewable sources of energy generated more electricity globally than coal during the first half of the year.
Those findings, highlighted in a new report by Ember, a clean energy think tank, represents the first time renewables like wind and solar have created more power worldwide than coal over any six-month period.
It follows several years of robust installations of wind turbines and solar arrays, and came after a weak first half of the year for the coal industry, which saw its use dip in leading markets like China and India. Renewable energy sources, including hydropower, generated 5,072 terawatt-hours of electricity from January through June, eclipsing the 4,895 TWh generated by coal, Ember said.
“The renewables revolution is unstoppable,” said Ember’s global program director, Raul Miranda, in a statement. “Renewables are delivering on meeting the world’s growing demand for electricity, powering economic growth and boosting energy security. Investment in clean flexibility solutions like grids and storage will enable countries to fully harness their renewables potential.”
