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Coal stays the top global electricity source despite renewables surge
The IEA expects coal-fired power to produce 10,974 TWh in 2026, nearly one-third of worldwide electricity generation, helped by higher gas prices after LNG supply disruptions.
Renewables are growing quickly, but coal is still set to produce more electricity than any other power source, according to the International Energy Agency’s latest outlook cited by OilPrice.
The IEA expects coal-fired power plants to generate 10,974 terawatt-hours in 2026, the source says, compared with 6,976 TWh from natural gas. Hydropower is forecast at 4,536 TWh, solar at 3,289 TWh, wind at 2,898 TWh, and nuclear at 2,871 TWh.
OilPrice notes that coal will generate nearly as much electricity as natural gas and hydropower combined, and about 77% more power than wind and solar combined. The update also projects that renewables collectively could overtake coal in 2026 for the first time, but only if multiple renewable sources expand together.
The source adds that coal’s outlook received an unexpected boost from the global gas market. The IEA had expected coal generation to decline by 1.3% in 2025, but it revised the forecast after the U.S.-Iran war led to LNG supply losses through the Strait of Hormuz, pushing gas prices higher and making coal more competitive for power generators that can switch fuels.
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