Renewables on the Rise

The world hit a historic milestone last year: Renewable energy sources produced more electricity than coal for the first time in the first half of 2025! Renewables harness energy from sources like sunlight, wind, and running water. They’re a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. When burned to produce electricity, fossil fuels release heat-trapping greenhouse gases and pollute the air.

Last year, the world hit a historic milestone. For the first half of 2025, renewable energy sources produced more electricity than coal! It was the first time this had ever happened. But it’s going to be happening more.

Renewables use energy from sources like sunlight, wind, and water. They produce less pollution than fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. Fossil fuels have to be burned to make electricity. That releases greenhouse gases and other pollution into the air. Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere.

Today, renewables are the fastest growing energy source in the world. Why? Cost! Solar panels and wind turbines are now cheaper to install and operate than gas and coal-burning power plants. So more countries are building solar and wind farms. “Renewable energy can keep the lights on—and can do it affordably,” says Sammy Roth, a journalist who covers renewables. 

 In addition to wind and solar, the most common renewables are hydropower (from water), bioenergy (from burning plant and animal matter), and geothermal (from underground heat). But solar is transforming the world’s energy production. Over the past five years, 99 countries doubled the amount of solar power they produce. In 2024, a total of 2,130 terawatt-hours of solar electricity was produced worldwide. Electricity is measured in watts, a unit of power. One terawatt equals 1 trillion watts. We use terawatt-hours to measure large-scale energy generation.

Today renewables are growing faster than any other energy source. Why? Cost! Power plants that burn fossil fuels are expensive to operate. Solar panels and wind turbines are now cheaper to install and maintain. So more countries are building solar and wind farms. “Renewable energy can keep the lights on—and can do it affordably,” says Sammy Roth. He’s a journalist who covers renewable energy. 

In addition to wind and solar, there are a few other common renewables. Hydropower uses energy from moving water. Bioenergy comes from burning plant and animal waste. Geothermal energy uses heat from underground. But solar power is truly changing the world’s energy supply. 

Over the past five years, 99 countries doubled the amount of solar power they make. Electricity is measured in watts, a unit of power. One terawatt equals 1 trillion watts. We use terawatt-hours to measure energy generation on large scales. In 2024, a total of 2,130 terawatt-hours of solar electricity were produced worldwide. That’s a lot!

As the world races toward cleaner energy, the U.S. is in danger of falling behind. The Trump administration passed a law last July phasing out funding and permits for solar and wind farms. The government also halted construction on what would have been the nation’s biggest solar project in Nevada. The U.S. is still installing renewable energy, but not as quickly as before. About 20 states have pledged to transition to 100% climate-friendly electricity in the coming decades. 

Despite some hurdles, the global renewable explosion isn’t showing any signs of stopping. By 2035, renewables are expected to produce more of the world’s electricity than all fossil fuels combined!

The world is racing toward cleaner energy. But the U.S. is in danger of falling behind. Last July, the Trump administration passed a law limiting new solar and wind farms. The government also stopped construction on a huge solar project in Nevada. It would have been the biggest in the country. The U.S. is still installing renewable energy, but not as quickly as before. About 20 states plan to switch to 100% clean electricity in the coming decades. 

There have been some setbacks. But the global explosion in renewables won’t be stopping anytime soon. By 2035, renewables are expected to produce more electricity than all fossil fuels combined!