Renewables Surpass Coal for the First Time: What It Means for Home Heating?

9 Oct

In a landmark moment for the global energy transition, renewables have overtaken coal as the world’s largest source of electricity for the first time on record.

According to analysis by independent climate think tank Ember, renewables generated more power than coal during the first half of 2025, a clear sign that clean energy is no longer just the future… it’s the present.

Source: ITV News – Renewables overtake coal globally for first time on record

The Numbers Behind the Shift

Some key highlights from the report:

Global electricity demand rose by 2.6% (an extra 369 TWh) in the first half of 2025
Renewables generated 5,072 TWh, overtaking
Coal generation fell to 4,896 TWh
The growth in solar and wind was enough to meet the rising demand across many major economies
In countries like China and India, renewables grew faster than electricity use itself, meaning fossil fuel use fell
The EU and US also saw significant clean energy gains

This is the first time on record that renewables have produced more electricity than coal globally, not just in individual regions.

Why This Matters for Home Heating

So what does this mean for UK households — and for people considering a heat pump?

As the electricity grid becomes cleaner, so does everything it powers — and that includes your heating system. Here's why it matters:

1. Cleaner Grid = Cleaner Heat

A heat pump running on today’s grid is already much cleaner than a gas boiler. But as renewables continue to grow, the carbon footprint of each kWh drops even further, reducing your heating emissions automatically, year after year.

2. Great Fit for Renewable Energy

Heat pumps work well with renewables because:

They use electricity, not fossil fuels
They can run more when the sun is shining or the wind is blowing
With smart controls, they can avoid peak demand periods — saving you money and supporting the grid

3. Future-Proofing Your Home

Switching to a low-carbon heating system is no longer just about doing the right thing for the planet — it's also a practical investment. As energy policies tighten and fuel prices fluctuate, heat pumps offer a cleaner, smarter, and more stable way to heat your home.

What Should Homeowners Do Now?

If you’ve been on the fence about a heat pump, battery storage or smart tariff switching, now’s a great time to reconsider. The infrastructure is evolving fast, and homes that adopt these systems early are well-placed to save money, cut emissions, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Want to see how a heat pump would work in your home? Or how solar and battery storage can complement your heating system? We're here to help.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

At HeatHorizons, we specialise in modern, low-carbon heating systems from battery-buffered heat pumps to solar and smart controls. We’ll design a solution that works for your home, your budget, and your environmental goals.