Solar and wind power plants have for the first time surpassed gas plants in electricity generation

In the world for the first time solar and wind energy surpassed gas
In April 2026, the combined electricity generation from solar panels and wind turbines exceeded the capacity of gas power plants for the first time. Analysts at Ember recorded this event.

Key figures | Source | Share of global production (April 2026) | Volume (TWh)

|----------|-------------------------------------|---------------|

| Solar + wind | 22 % | 531 |

| Gas power plants | 20 % | 477 |

Thus, in April 2026 renewable sources became a more reliable reserve for developed countries, reducing their dependence on gas imports.

Comparison with the past – April 2021: gas plants produced 476 TWh, while solar and wind together produced only 245 TWh.

- Over five years the share of renewables has almost doubled.

Why this is important
Ember analysts note that the steady growth in wind and solar production allowed most of global electricity demand to be met while limiting the expansion of gas capacity.

> “The energy crisis once again confirmed the economic advantages of renewable sources over imported gas and intensified political pressure in their favor,” says analyst Kostants Rangelova.

For countries dependent on energy imports, electricity from liquefied natural gas is becoming less competitive compared with wind and solar power, which are considered affordable, local, and reliable.

Record limits
Currently we’re talking about a record month – April 2026, when Western Europe experienced the highest wind activity. In other months the situation may differ: renewables will not always be the leader. Moreover, rising demand for AI capacity is accelerating natural gas consumption, which could lead to a “rebound” of fossil energy in the near future.