New Delhi, Jan. 14 -- Coal power generation fell in both China and India last year, the first simultaneous drop in half a century, after both countries added record clean energy capacity, a new analysis by the Helsinki-based Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) shows. The analysis, in association with the UK-based Carbon Brief, and based on government data from both these countries, shows that electricity generation from coal in India fell by 3%, and in China by 1.6%. "The last time both countries registered a drop in coal power output was in 1973. The fall in 2025 is a sign of things to come, as both countries added a record amount of new clean-power generation last year, which was more than sufficient to meet rising demand," it said. "Both countries now have the preconditions in place for peaking coal-fired power, if China is able to sustain clean-energy growth and India meets its renewable energy targets," it added. These shifts have international implications, as the power sectors of these two countries drove 93% of the rise in global carbon dioxide emissions from 2015-2024. While many challenges remain, the decline in their coal-power output marks a historic moment, which could help lead to a peak in global emissions, it added. India marked a record-breaking year in clean energy in 2025, with non-fossil fuel installed capacity rising to 266.78GW, Union minister of new and renewable energy Pralhad Joshi said on January 10 in a statement. This represents a 22.6% increase over 2024, when non-fossil capacity stood at 217.62GW, with 49.12GW of new non-fossil capacity subsequently added during the year. Joshi added that the progress strengthens India's pathway towards energy security, climate responsibility and a self-reliant green economy, while moving steadily towards the national target of 500GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030. CREA said in India, the drop was mainly due to record clean-energy growth combined with slower demand growth, resulting from mild weather and a longer-term slowdown. The power ministry did not immediately respond to HT's queries for a comment....