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Learning English from the News

Upper intermediate level

Solar and wind beat coal for first time

Episode 251008 / 08 Oct 2025

(Photo via Getty Images)

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The story

For the first time ever, more electricity has been generated through wind and solar power than from coal power plants. That's according to a new report.

The amount of electricity used globally has increased since last year, but 100% of that increase has been met by renewable energy sources.

China and India are responsible for a large part of this growth of renewable energy. Europe and the US actually increased their coal and gas power generation. 

It has been predicted that renewable energy generation could double by the end of the decade.

News headlines

Global renewable energy generation surpasses coal for first time
The Guardian

Renewables overtake coal as world’s primary source of electricity
Semafor

Solar and wind power has grown faster than electricity demand this year, report says
AP News 

Key words and phrases

surpass
be more than or better than

  • The runner surpassed his previous best time by three seconds. 

primary source
where the largest amount of something comes from 

  • Cars are the primary source of pollution in this city. 

demand
how much people want something 

  • High energy bills have led to demand for more efficient heating systems. 

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