In April 2026, global wind and solar power exceeded natural gas generation

Wind and solar energy have just reached an important global milestone: For the first time ever, it generated more electricity than gas throughout the month of April. According to new analysis from independent energy think tank Ember, wind and solar produced 22% of the world’s electricity in April 2026, compared to 20% from gas. Together, the two renewable sources generated a record 531 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity during the month, 54 TWh more than gas plants generated globally, at 477 TWh. The time is remarkable. April marked the first full month of the latest global energy crisis tied to the conflict in the Middle East, and the data shows how quickly renewables are changing the power mix even as fossil fuel markets remain volatile. Five years ago, in April 2021, gas production at 476 TWh was almost identical to today's level. But then wind and solar energy generated together only 245 TWh – less than half of what they produced in April this year. Wind and solar energy continues to grow

According to Ember, the recent figures are not attributable to the current crisis itself, but to years of rapid growth in renewable energies. Wind and solar energy grew rapidly enough in April to cover most of the increase in global electricity demand, which helped to limit the growth in gas production. The data also showed no signs of a comprehensive shift from gas back to coal, despite concerns regarding energy security and fuel prices. Wind and solar energy production rose in almost all major markets that reported April data. Worldwide production rose by an estimated 13 %, including:

- China: +14 %

- EU: +13 %

- United Kingdom: +35 %

- USA: +8 %

- Australia: +17 %

- Chile: +24 %

- Brazil: +4 %

April tends to be the strongest month for this child of milestone because spring weather in the Northern Hemisphere usually brings a combination of strong wind generation, rising solar output, and lower electricity demand between heating and cooling seasons. Nevertheless, the general trend is clear. Ember's current Global Electricity Review revealed that wind and solar energy in 2025 could cover the entire global growth of electricity demand. Countries accelerate renewable energy plans

Governments around the world are thus ramping up renewable energy targets to reduce dependence on volatile fossil fuel imports. Recent announcements tracked by the Global Renewables Alliance include Indonesia’s plan to develop 100 GW of solar + storage capacity, South Korea’s target to triple its renewables capacity to 100 GW by 2030, and faster renewable energy deployment countries including the Philippines, Thailand, and the UK. “Countries around the world have been turning to wind and solar because they are cheap, homegrown, and secure sources of electricity,” said Kostantsa Rangelova, global electricity analyst at Ember. Top comments from Well-O

It's nice to see the sun and the wind grow! 😎👍

But... coal and gas did not decline compared to previous years; at least not yet. 😟

I'd be interested in where the whole additional electricity flows. A little bit for EVs and pumps heat probably, which is great because those resulting fossil fuels, but I suspect that a large part is datacenters/AI. “The current energy crisis has further strengthened the case for renewables compared to imported gas, while adding greater political urgency to accelerate deployment. For many importing countries, LNG-powered electricity is increasingly unable to compete with wind and solar.”

Read more: This US city expands 150 homes with solar energy and batteries to reduce costs

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