Rapid solar, wind, and storage scaling is actively displacing thermal generation: OECD fossil generation dropped 19% below its 2007 peak while systematic decommissioning of coal-fired power plants is under way. Emerging economies decarbonise more rapidly and efficiently thanks to cheaper renewables

**Fossil power is in permanent retreat as OECD nations move beyond their peaks.**

OECD nations have reached a definitive turning point, transitioning from a historical peak in fossil fuel generation to a sustained and structural decline.

Ambitious coal phase-out targets, combined with rapid wind and solar deployment, have allowed OECD nations to increasingly decouple their electricity sectors from fossil fuels in favor of a cleaner power mix.

For governments, this shift represents a strategic pivot toward energy sovereignty; by prioritizing domestically generated renewables, countries are insulating themselves from the price volatility and geopolitical risks that accompany dependence on global fossil fuel markets.

Ember’s Global Electricity Review showed that record solar growth meant clean power sources grew fast enough to meet all new electricity demand in 2025, thereby preventing an increase in fossil generation, which saw a small fall of 0.2%.

This was the first year since 2020 without an increase in electricity generation from fossil fuels and only the fifth year without a rise this century.

* OECD fossil generation in 2025 was 19% below its peak.

* Every OECD country in 2025 was below its fossil generation peak for the first time.

* Non-OECD fossil generation fell in 2025 as China peaks and India avoids coal reliance.

And just 6 months ago Europe and US were complaining about China “overcapacity” in renewables and demanding to impose tariffs. Now it’s not even enough to meet demand