Solar has just dealt a blow to coal, changing the game for Power Generation.
Abstract
Solar and renewable energy now cost less than carbon sources, encouraging a growing global shift away from them.
Introduction
The global energy landscape is changing. Renewable energy sources have surpassed coal in electricity generation. What's driving this shift? Simple: Solar and batteries are now cheaper than fossil fuels. This isn't a minor tweak to the existing system—it's a complete overhaul of how we generate and utilize electricity. And the consequences go way beyond cutting emissions. We're discussing economic growth, energy independence, and a realignment of global power.
Renewable Energy Milestone
Recently, in the first six months of 2025, for the first time in many months, renewables (solar, wind, hydro, and other technologies) generated more electricity than coal. This shows the energy transition is no longer a theoretical future dream but a present fact today. This reflects decades of technological innovation, policy support, and market-driven deployment that have collectively accelerated the adoption of clean energy technologies worldwide.
This milestone is particularly significant because it occurred during a period of rising global electricity demand. Rather than requiring additional fossil fuel generation to meet growing needs, renewable sources proved capable of both satisfying demand growth and beginning to displace existing carbon-based generation. This dynamic suggests that the trajectory toward decarbonized electricity systems has reached a self-reinforcing phase.
The Economics of Solar Energy
Solar energy cost has dropped by 90% in the last 15 years, making it the most affordable energy source in the world. This has changed the economics of power generation. What was once considered an expensive option requiring substantial subsidies has become the cheapest option for new electricity generation in most global markets. The cost reduction stems from multiple sources, including manufacturing advancements, improvements in panel efficiency, installation efficiencies, and international competition.
Solar's cost advantage is profound. Energy systems worldwide can now reduce electricity costs while simultaneously addressing climate change, a rare alignment of economic and environmental interests. This convergence has accelerated deployment rates and shifted the conversation from whether renewable energy can compete to how quickly it can be scaled.
Land Requirements and Feasibility
Contrary to most talking points, renewable energy does not require extensive land use. In fact, the space needed for renewable energy is less than most realize. For example, with today's solar panels and technology, only 0.3% of the Earth's surface is required to meet current electricity demands. For the United States, this translates to approximately 11,383 square miles—an area roughly the size of the state of Maryland or the island of Hawaii. Alternatively, a land area roughly equivalent to California could generate enough electricity for the entire world.
These figures demonstrate that land availability poses no fundamental constraint to solar deployment. Moreover, innovative approaches such as rooftop installations, floating solar on water bodies, and agrivoltaics—combining agriculture with solar generation—can further reduce the need for dedicated land use.
Global Leadership in Solar Deployment
The ten countries that comprise the BRICS nations now account for approximately 51% of the world's total solar production. This concentration of solar deployment in emerging economies challenges traditional narratives about the energy transition being led exclusively by wealthy nations. China, India, and Brazil have demonstrated that rapid solar expansion can occur in tandem with economic development, providing a model for other emerging economies to follow.
The Role of Energy Storage
Battery costs have decreased by approximately 40% over the past two years. As storage costs decrease, solar and wind energy can provide reliable, stable power that meets grid demands. This will make renewable energy more affordable and reliable than carbon-based fuels.
Conclusion
If current trends continue, developed nations are projected to transition almost entirely to renewable electricity by 2050-2070, while emerging economies—which are currently installing renewables at record rates—may complete their transitions later in the century as they balance development needs with climate goals. The solar revolution has moved from possibility to probability, fundamentally reshaping humanity's energy future.
Credit where due:
- https://ebitmax.odoo.com/blog
- https://davidsidoo.org/blog/
- https://humanprogress.org/apocalyptic-warnings-about-water-wars-too-pessimistic-too-premature/
- http://citec.repec.org/s/2021/hinjnlmpe.html
- Wen-Cheng, L., Chen, C. N., & Chen, N. P. (2021). Using an Analytical Hierarchy Process to Analyze the Development of the Green Energy Industry. Energies, 14(15), 4452.
© 2025 Tim Jackson. All Rights Reserved.
