World's primary energy source expected to shift towards renewables by the year 2026, according to the International Energy Agency.
In a significant shift for the global energy sector, renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are expected to surge in the coming years, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
The rapid growth of wind and solar output, which topped 4,000 terawatt hours (TWh) in 2024 and is projected to exceed 6,000 TWh by 2026, is driving this change. This explosive growth underpins renewables' rise as the dominant source of new electricity generation worldwide.
This shift is primarily due to the increasing demand for electricity, which is projected to rise by about 3.3% in 2025 and 3.7% in 2026. The expanding electricity needs are seen in industry, buildings, domestic appliances, transport electrification, and data centres.
Renewables, particularly solar and wind, are expected to meet more than 90% of the increase in global electricity demand out to 2026. This trend is being fuelled by the declining coal generation, especially in large markets like China and the EU, which are helping renewables overtake coal as the leading power source, reducing power sector emissions.
Despite political opposition in some countries, the growth of renewables occurs despite increasing reliance on grid investments, energy storage (batteries), and other flexibility resources that help manage renewable variability. Modest growth in hydropower and record highs in nuclear and gas generation complement renewables’ rise, but the meteoric increase of wind and solar remains the main driver reshaping the global power mix.
By 2026, renewables are forecast to constitute around 36% of global electricity supply, surpassing coal, whose share will fall to about 32%—its lowest level in a century. This significant shift results from the rapid deployment and scaling of solar and wind technologies worldwide.
It's worth noting that renewables could overtake coal as early as this year. The global reduction in coal-fired electricity generation will result from declines in China and the EU, partially offset by increases in the US, India, and other Asian nations.
In conclusion, the rapid growth in renewable energy, particularly wind and solar, is set to dominate the global power landscape by 2026, constituting around 36% of global electricity supply. This shift not only reduces power sector emissions but also meets the increasing demand for electricity driven by various factors, including the electrification of heat and transport, the expansion of data centres, and the increased use of air conditioning.
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