Coal power generation dropped in China and India in 2023, a first since the 1970s, marking a historic moment in global energy. Analysts from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air found electricity from coal plants declined by 1.6% in China and 3% in India. This decline was fueled by a huge surge in clean energy projects, enough to meet rising energy needs. "The drop in coal power and record increase in clean energy in China and India marks a historic moment," the report said, adding this could be "a sign of things to come." These two countries have contributed over 90% of the global rise in carbon emissions between 2015 and 2024. A lasting drop in their coal use could signal a peak in worldwide coal consumption and emissions. China installed more than 300GW of solar power and 100GW of wind power last year, exceeding five times the UK's entire power capacity. According to the report, this is a record for any country ever. India added 35GW of solar, 6GW of wind, and 3.5GW of hydropower in 2023. Clean energy growth accounted for 44% of India's coal and gas reduction compared to the previous five years. This is the first time clean energy played a major role in cutting India’s coal-fired power. However, 36% of the reduction was due to milder weather, and 20% was from slower energy demand growth. Warm summers could raise energy needs again. The war in Ukraine once pushed many countries back to coal due to high gas prices. The International Energy Agency warned that coal power might stay near record levels until 2027. Still, this new shift in China and India offers hope for a cleaner energy future.