A turning point for clean energy

This year marks a historic milestone: for the first time, global renewable-energy production has surpassed coal.

- Agnes Dasewicz

In the first half of 2025, renewables accounted for more than 34% of the world’s electricity, while coal’s share fell to just above 33%. Notably, these gains were largely driven by emerging economies.

As the world’s attention turns to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Brazil (COP30), this milestone serves as a powerful reminder that the clean-energy transition is already underway. Having led investments at the US International Development Finance Corporation and now serving as chief investment officer at the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, I know a promising business opportunity when I see one.

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA),91% of new renewable-energy projects are now cheaper than their fossil-fuel counterparts. This finding provides clear evidence that, despite the ongoing growth in coal and oil use, renewables are both economically and technically viable throughout much of the world.

We cannot afford to let today’s momentum slip away.

To reduce climate pollution, promote sustainable economic growth, and strengthen energy resilience where it is needed most, we must build on these achievements, As we approach the tenth anniversary of the Paris climate agreement, meaningful global climate action is still possible, even in the face of escalatinggeopolitical tensions and competing national priorities.