Business
Renewables overtake coal as world’s biggest source of electricity
Justin RowlattClimate Editor
AFP via Getty ImagesRenewable energy overtook coal as the world’s leading source of electricity in the first half of this year – a historic first, according to new data from the global energy think tank Ember.
Electricity demand is growing around the world but the growth in solar and wind was so strong it met 100% of the extra electricity demand, even helping drive a slight decline in coal and gas use.
However, Ember says the headlines mask a mixed global picture.
Developing countries, especially China, led the clean energy charge but richer nations including the US and EU relied more than before on planet-warming fossil fuels for electricity generation.
This divide is likely to get more pronounced, according to a separate report from the International Energy Agency (IEA). It predicts renewables will grow much less strongly than forecast in the US as a result of the policies of President Donald Trump’s administration.
Coal, a major contributor to global warming, was still the world’s largest individual source of energy generation in 2024, a position it has held for more than 50 years, according to the IEA.
China remains way ahead in clean energy growth, adding more solar and wind capacity than the rest of the world combined. This enabled the growth in renewable generation in China to outpace rising electricity demand and helped reduce its fossil fuel generation by 2%.
India experienced slower electricity demand growth and also added significant new solar and wind capacity, meaning it too cut back on coal and gas.
In contrast, developed nations like the US, and also the EU, saw the opposite trend.
In the US, electricity demand grew faster than clean energy output, increasing reliance on fossil fuels, while in the EU, months of weak wind and hydropower performance led to a rise in coal and gas generation.
In a separate report the IEA has halved its forecast for the growth of renewable energy in the US this decade. Last year, the agency predicted the US would add 500GW of new renewable capacity – mostly from solar and wind – by 2030. That has been cut that back to 250GW.
The IEA analysis represents the most thorough assessment to date of the impact the Trump administration’s policies are having on global efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources and underscores the dramatically different approach of the US and China.
As China’s clean tech exports surge, the US is focusing on encouraging the world buy more of its oil and gas.
Getty Images‘Crucial’ turning point
Despite these regional differences, Ember calls this moment a “crucial turning point”.
Ember senior analyst Malgorzata Wiatros-Motyka said it “marks the beginning of a shift where clean power is keeping pace with demand growth”.
Solar power delivered the lion’s share of growth, meeting 83% of the increase in electricity demand. It has now been the largest source of new electricity globally for three years in a row.
Most solar generation (58%) is now in lower-income countries, many of which have seen explosive growth in recent years.
That’s thanks to spectacular reductions in cost. Solar has seen prices fall a staggering 99.9% since 1975 and is now so cheap that large markets for solar can emerge in a country in the space of a single year, especially where grid electricity is expensive and unreliable, says Ember.
Pakistan, for example, imported solar panels capable of generating 17 gigawatts (GW) of solar power in 2024, double the previous year and the equivalent of roughly a third of the country’s current electricity generation capacity.
Africa is also experiencing a solar boom with panel imports up 60% year on year, in the year to June. Coal-heavy South Africa led the way, while Nigeria overtook Egypt into second place with 1.7GW of solar generating capacity – that’s enough to meet the electricity demand of roughly 1.8m homes in Europe.
Some smaller African nations have seen even more rapid growth with Algeria increasing imports 33-fold, Zambia eightfold and Botswana sevenfold.
In some countries the growth of solar has been so rapid it is creating unexpected challenges.
In Afghanistan, widespread use of solar-powered water pumps is lowering the water table, threatening long-term access to groundwater. A study by Dr David Mansfield and satellite data firm Alcis warns that some regions could run dry within five to ten years, endangering millions of livelihoods.
Adair Turner, chair of the UK’s Energy Transitions Commission, says countries in the global “sun belt” and “wind belt” face very different energy challenges.
Sun belt nations – including much of Asia, Africa, and Latin America – need large amounts of electricity for daytime air conditioning. These countries can significantly reduce energy costs almost immediately by adopting solar-based systems, supported by increasingly affordable batteries that store energy from day to night.
Wind belt countries like the UK face tougher obstacles, however. Wind turbine costs have not come down by anything like as much as solar panels – down just a third or so in the last decade. Higher interest rates have also added to borrowing costs and raised the overall price of installing wind farms significantly in the last few years.
Balancing supply is harder too: winter wind lulls can last for weeks, requiring backup power sources that batteries alone can’t provide – making the system more expensive to build and run.
But wherever you are in the world, China’s overwhelming dominance in clean tech industries remains unchallenged, other new data from Ember shows.
In August 2025, its clean tech exports hit a record $20bn, driven by surging sales of electric vehicles (up 26%) and batteries (up 23%). Together, China’s electric vehicles and batteries are now worth more than twice the value of its solar panel exports.
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Waitrose is set to remove mackerel from its shelves amid escalating concerns over unsustainable fishing practices.
The retailer said that it is the first major UK supermarket to suspend sourcing of the popular fish.
It said that fresh, chilled, and frozen mackerel, primarily sourced from Scottish waters, will be unavailable to shoppers by 29 April. Tinned varieties will follow once the current stock is depleted.
Conservationists are welcoming the move and urging other supermarkets to follow suit.
The measure comes as governments have repeatedly failed to implement catch limits recommended by scientists, jeopardising the long-term viability of mackerel stocks.
The International Council for Exploration of the Sea (ICES) has issued stark warnings, advising a 70 per cent reduction in catches for 2026 across all regional mackerel stocks compared to 2025’s recommended levels.
With the stock consistently fished above sustainable thresholds, this translates to a 77 per cent cut on the 755,143 tonnes scientists estimated would be caught in 2025.
Overfishing has resulted in depleting mackerel stocks in the north-east Atlantic, with Ices saying the species, and the wider fishing industry, could face long-term risks unless countries stick to recommended catch limits.
Waitrose said the decision in December by four of the coastal states which fish mackerel to cut catches by 48 per cent was a step forward, but did not meet Ices advice.
North-east Atlantic mackerel will no longer meet the supermarket’s responsible sourcing requirements in line with the Sustainable Seafood Coalition codes of conduct, the retailer said.
Jake Pickering, head of agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries at Waitrose, said: “By suspending sourcing of mackerel at Waitrose we are reinforcing our ethical and sustainable business commitments, acting to tackle overfishing and protect the long-term health of our oceans and this crucial fish.
“Our customers trust us to source responsibly, and we are closely monitoring the fishery.
“We look forward to bringing mackerel back to our shelves once it meets our high sourcing standards.”
As alternatives, Waitrose is launching a new range of fish products including hot smoked herring, hot smoked peppered herring and hot smoked sweetcure seabass, all of which are Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified.
The retailer said it would also introduce MSC-certified frozen sardines from May as a sustainable replacement for frozen mackerel, and plans to become the first retailer to sell 100 per cent MSC tinned sardines.
Waitrose said it would maintain its relationship with its mackerel suppliers and its new supply of herring, seabass, sardines and trout will be sourced through current supplier partnerships.
But there is currently no predetermined time-frame as to when Waitrose will start sourcing mackerel again.
Marija Rompani, director of ethics and sustainability at the John Lewis Partnership, said: “We believe sustainable food production must balance climate action, nature protection and responsible fish sourcing is fundamental to protecting our oceans.
“We will continue to work closely with suppliers and industry partners to support the recovery and responsible management of fish stocks.”
Charles Clover, co-founder of conservation charity Blue Marine Foundation, said mackerel – one of the largest remaining commercial fish stocks in the north-east Atlantic – had declined 75 per cent in the last 10 years because fishing nations, including the UK, had overfished it.
“They have put too little effort into the task of reaching agreement on a sharing arrangement – and some countries have been awarding themselves more quota than is justified by science,” he said.
“This crisis has been ignored for too long.
“We hope that this action by Waitrose sends it to the top of the political agenda. We call on other retailers to follow Waitrose’s example.”
The arrival of a salary credit message at the beginning of the month often brings a sense of relief and optimism, with many planning to save money or make long-delayed purchases. However, for a large number of salaried individuals, that confidence fades quickly as expenses begin to pile up. Rent, electricity bills, EMIs, online purchases, dining out and everyday spending gradually reduce bank balances, leaving many struggling by the third week of the month. (News18 Hindi)
Financial experts say that recurring cash shortages are often not caused by insufficient income but by poor money habits. Small and unnoticed mistakes in managing personal finances can gradually weaken long-term financial stability. The good news, experts note, is that these habits can be corrected with simple changes and better planning. (News18 Hindi)
1. One of the most common mistakes is the absence of a proper budget. Many people begin spending as soon as their salary is credited without deciding in advance how the money will be used. Without a clear spending plan, expenses tend to rise uncontrollably. Experts recommend allocating money for essential needs such as rent, groceries, utility bills and savings immediately after receiving a salary. Preparing a simple budget by listing fixed monthly expenses in a notebook or mobile app can help maintain financial discipline. (News18 Hindi)
2. Frequent small online purchases also contribute significantly to unnecessary spending. With doorstep deliveries and frequent discounts, cashback offers and flash sales, consumers often buy items that are not essential. While individual purchases may seem minor, repeated spending of a few hundred or thousand rupees can add up to a substantial amount by the end of the month. Financial planners advise clearly distinguishing between needs and wants before making purchases. (News18 Hindi)
3. Another major mistake is the absence of an emergency fund. Unexpected expenses such as medical bills, urgent travel or home repairs can disrupt monthly budgets. Without savings set aside for emergencies, many individuals rely on credit cards or loans, which can lead to debt and reduce the following month’s disposable income. Experts suggest building an emergency fund gradually, ideally covering at least three months of essential expenses. (News18 Hindi)
4. Saving only what remains at the end of the month is another common but ineffective approach. In most cases, little or no money is left after regular spending. Financial advisers recommend setting aside savings as soon as the salary is credited, a strategy often referred to as the “pay yourself first” principle. This method helps create a consistent saving habit. (News18 Hindi)
5. Spending to maintain a certain lifestyle is also a growing concern, particularly in the age of social media. The desire to match others’ lifestyles often leads to purchases such as expensive gadgets, branded clothing or frequent dining out, even when these expenses exceed one’s income. Experts warn that such spending patterns can increase financial stress and recommend aligning lifestyle choices with income and financial priorities. (News18 Hindi)
To improve financial discipline, experts advise reviewing expenses from the previous three months to understand spending patterns. Based on this assessment, individuals can create a simple plan that divides income into spending, saving and investing. Automated savings options such as Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) or recurring deposits can help ensure consistent saving. Even small financial changes, experts say, can lead to significant long-term benefits. (News18 Hindi)
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