Wind and solar generated more electricity than gas globally for the first month ever in April 2026, according to data analysed by Ember.

Together, wind and solar generated 22 per cent of global electricity in April 2026, compared with 20 per cent from gas.

The milestone occurred during the first full month of the latest global energy crisis triggered by the conflict in the Middle East, highlighting how rapidly growing wind and solar generation is reshaping the power mix.

Wind and solar produced 531 TWh of electricity in April 2026, 54 TWh more than gas generation at 477 TWh. Five years ago, in April 2021, gas generation stood at a similar level (476 TWh) but was nearly double the combined generation from wind and solar (245 TWh).

Wind and solar generation rose globally with output is estimated to have increased 13 per cent year-on-year, with gains across major markets including the UK (+35 percent), Chile (+24 per cent), Australia (+17 per cent), China (+14 per cent) and EU the (+13 per cent).

Wind and solar have not yet overtaken gas on an annual basis. April was the most likely month for this milestone, as spring conditions in the northern hemisphere typically combine strong wind output with rising solar generation. At the same time, electricity demand is typically lower between the heating and cooling seasons, meaning gas generation tends to be lower than in most other months of the year.

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