In a First, Wind and Solar Generated More Power than Gas Globally in April 2026

Why It Matters

The crossover demonstrates that clean energy can reliably replace fossil fuels at scale, reshaping investment and policy priorities in the electricity sector.

Key Takeaways

• Wind and solar supplied 22% of global electricity in April 2026
• Renewables generated 531 TWh, beating gas's 477 TWh output
• Global wind and solar output rose 13% year‑over‑year in April
• US wind‑solar grew 8%; UK surged 35% in same month
• Indonesia and South Korea each set 100 GW renewable capacity goals

Pulse Analysis

The April 2026 data released by Ember marks the first month that wind and solar outpaced natural‑gas generation worldwide. At 22 % of total electricity, renewables delivered 531 TWh, overtaking gas’s 477 TWh. This crossover reflects a cumulative shift that began a decade ago, but the speed of change is unprecedented: wind‑solar output more than doubled the level recorded in April 2021. The milestone arrived amid a volatile gas market tied to Middle‑East tensions, underscoring how clean‑energy sources are reshaping the global power balance. Several forces converged to produce the April surge.

Continuous cost declines have made wind and solar the cheapest new capacity in most regions, while storage advances mitigate intermittency. Policy momentum accelerated, with the EU, China, and the United States expanding subsidies and grid‑integration standards. The ongoing energy crisis heightened the economic case for domestically produced renewables, reducing reliance on imported liquefied natural gas. As a result, renewable growth absorbed most of the 2025‑2026 global electricity‑demand increase, limiting additional gas‑plant construction.

Looking ahead, the gas‑to‑renewables crossover signals a new investment paradigm. Asset managers are reallocating capital toward large‑scale wind farms and utility‑scale solar projects, attracted by stable cash flows and ESG credentials. Emerging markets such as Indonesia and South Korea have announced 100 GW renewable targets, promising further capacity additions. For utilities, the trend demands grid‑modernization and flexible resources to balance higher renewable penetrations. Ultimately, the April benchmark foreshadows a decade where gas plays a marginal role in meeting global electricity needs.