A Better Newspaper

## Overview Energy think tank Ember released findings in April 2026 indicating that clean electricity met all new electricity demand growth in 2025, effectively curbing the expansion of fossil fuel power generation for the first time (Al Jazeera, April 21, 2026). Ember described 2025 as 'the beginning of the end for coal and gas power,' while noting that global temperatures continue to rise rapidly. ## Key Findings - Clean electricity sources absorbed all incremental global electricity demand in 2025 (Al Jazeera, April 21, 2026) - Coal and gas power generation did not expand to meet new demand — a reported first - Despite this structural milestone, Ember noted the world 'is still warming rapidly' (Al Jazeera, April 21, 2026) - The findings suggest an inflection point in the energy transition trajectory ## About Ember Ember is a UK-based independent energy think tank specializing in electricity data and clean energy transition analysis. Its annual Global Electricity Review is widely cited by policymakers, investors, and regulators. ## Strategic Significance - **For energy investors**: The data point supports the investment thesis that renewables have reached structural dominance in marginal demand growth — a significant shift from prior decades - **For regulators**: Validates clean energy policy frameworks while highlighting the gap between electricity sector progress and overall climate outcomes - **For fossil fuel sector**: Signals potential demand ceiling for coal and gas power, with implications for long-term asset valuation - **Caveat**: The Iran war energy shock in 2026 may temporarily complicate or reverse this trend, as supply disruptions drive some markets back toward available fossil capacity ## Connections This narrative connects to the broader clean energy transition, the Iran war energy disruption, and the tension between structural renewable growth and geopolitical energy shocks.