Wind and solar generated more power than gas globally in April 2026 (electrek.co)

Article summary

Wind and solar power generated more electricity than gas globally in April 2026, with a record 531 terawatt-hours of electricity produced, according to an analysis by Ember. This milestone marks a significant shift in the global energy mix, with wind and solar growing 13% year-over-year. The growth in renewable energy is driven by years of rapid expansion, with countries like China, the EU, and the US increasing their output. The trend is expected to continue, with governments accelerating their renewable energy plans to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Main themes

• Renewable energy growth
• Global energy mix
• Fossil fuel decline
• Energy security
• Sustainable development

What commenters say

• The US is not doing enough to support the growth of renewable energy, with some arguing that the country is choosing politics over reality.
• The growth of renewable energy is an unstoppable trend, and even politicians cannot reverse it.
• The cost of renewable energy is decreasing, making it a competitive advantage for energy-intensive activities like manufacturing and AI.
• Some argue that the US is prioritizing short-term profits over long-term stable trade and planning, which is hindering the growth of renewable energy.
• Others believe that the US is making progress in renewable energy, with states like Texas leading the way in wind and solar production.
• The development and deployment of renewable energy technology should be driven by the goal of making everyone's lives better, rather than just making a few people rich.
• Some commentators argue that the focus on AI is distracting from the more consequential and useful technological revolution of solar, wind, and batteries.
• The growth of renewable energy is not just about generating capacity, but also about having the industry and technical know-how to produce the necessary technology.