Renewable energy will become the world's largest source of electricity generation in 2026, overtaking coal for the first time, according to International Energy Agency projections released Thursday.
Global electricity demand is expected to grow 3.6% this year and 3.8% in 2027, reaching 30,700 TWh by 2027, up from 28,600 TWh in 2025. Renewable generation will expand more than 8% in 2026, with its share of global output rising from 33% to 37% by 2027. Solar photovoltaics will add roughly 600 TWh this year, matching 2025's record increase.
China and India are driving much of the demand surge, with growth projected at 5.5% and 7% respectively. The United States and European Union expect increases near 2%. Despite the renewable expansion, carbon dioxide emissions from power generation will still rise about 1% in 2026 before stabilizing in 2027.