Graph: Solar and wind power are meeting, and even surpassing, the increasing demand

The worlds need for electricity is rapidly increasing, and renewable energy is stepping up to meet it. From January through September, solar and wind power expanded fast enough to surpass all new electricity demand worldwide, according to research from energy analytics firm Ember.

During this period, global power consumption rose by 603 terawatt-hours (TWh) compared to the same months last year. Solar energy alone supplied 498 TWh of that increase, while wind added another 137 TWh.

When renewable sources not only meet but exceed rising demand, reliance on fossil fuels drops. In the first three quarters of 2025, electricity generated from fossil fuels fell by 17 TWh compared to the same timeframe in 2024. This decline is expected to persist through the end of the year. Ember predicts that fossil-fuel generation will show little to no growth in 2025, a phenomenon not seen since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whether this signals a long-term reduction in fossil-fuel electricity or a temporary pause depends largely on the pace of growth in electricity demand versus renewable energy capacity. Experts anticipate that global electricity consumption will continue to rise sharply. Warming temperatures drive greater air conditioning use, AI research is fueling energy-intensive data centers, and electrification of vehicles, homes, and industry adds further demand. The International Energy Agency projects that global power consumption could surge by 40% over the next decade.

Predicting the growth of clean energy remains challenging, as historical forecastsespecially for solarhave consistently underestimated actual expansion. To fully decarbonize the power sector, carbon-free energy must not just match growing electricity needs but exceed them by a significant margin. Solar powers continued overperformance will be crucial in this effort.

Analysis: The Rising Role of Renewable Energy in Meeting Global Electricity Demand

The growing demand for electricity across the globe presents both a challenge and an opportunity. According to data from energy analytics firm Ember, renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind, have stepped up to meet the increasing needs. From January to September of this year, solar and wind power not only matched but exceeded the demand for new electricity generation worldwide, marking a pivotal shift in the global energy landscape.

Solar power alone contributed a remarkable 498 terawatt-hours (TWh) to the global energy mix, while wind energy added 137 TWh. Together, these sources outpaced the overall rise in global electricity consumption, which increased by 603 TWh during the same period. This achievement signifies a key milestone in the transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy system. As a result, the use of fossil fuels for electricity generation has seen a decline, with a reduction of 17 TWh from the previous year.

However, the question remains whether this decline in fossil fuel dependency is a permanent shift or merely a temporary response to the current growth patterns. Projections from Ember suggest that fossil-fuel-based power generation will see minimal to no growth in 2025, a trend not seen since the pandemic's peak. This could signal a long-term reduction in fossil fuel reliance, depending on the continued growth of renewable energy and the global demand for electricity.

While clean energy is showing impressive growth, the rising demand for electricity poses an ongoing challenge. Factors like increased use of air conditioning, the growth of data centers driven by AI, and the electrification of various sectors will drive consumption higher in the coming years. The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts a 40% surge in global power consumption over the next decade. The expansion of solar and wind energy will need to outpace this rise to fully decarbonize the power sector.

In conclusion, the overperformance of solar power in meeting rising electricity needs is a critical development in the global energy transition. However, the continued success of this shift will depend on the pace at which renewable energy technologies evolve and how well they can meet the increasing global demand for electricity in the years ahead.

Sources:

• Chart: Solar and wind are meeting — and exceeding — new power demand