Wind and Solar Surpass Natural Gas in Global Electricity Generation for April 2026

Context Ember, an energy think tank, assembles monthly generation figures from national grid operators in over 50 countries and converts them to terawatt‑hours using standardized conversion factors. Their April 2026 dataset marks the first month in which wind and solar combined exceeded gas generation since the agency began tracking the metric in 2015. The methodology mirrors prior years, ensuring a consistent comparison across fuel types and seasons.

Key Facts - Wind and solar together generated approximately 532 TWh, exceeding natural‑gas generation of about 477 TWh in April 2026. - Coal’s share of global electricity declined by 0.5 percentage points from 2024 to 2025, the first annual drop since the Covid pandemic and the first time coal supplied less than one‑third of world power. - Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and strikes on Qatar removed roughly 20 % of worldwide LNG export capacity earlier this year, creating supply shortages and price spikes for import‑dependent nations in Europe and Asia.

What It Means The April result shows that, under favorable spring conditions, variable renewables can temporarily outpace fossil‑fuel plants on a global scale. However, because the month falls in the shoulder season—when winds are strong and days are long—the lead may not persist through summer or winter peaks. Coal’s continuing decline, though modest, indicates a structural shift away from the most carbon‑intensive fuel, especially as LNG price volatility encourages countries to diversify toward renewables for energy security. Analysts note that annual gas generation still exceeds wind and solar, so the milestone is a snapshot rather than a trend reversal.

What to watch next Investors and policymakers will monitor the May‑June 2026 Ember update to see whether the renewables‑over‑gas gap widens or narrows. The Rural America & The Clean Energy Transition panel at Climate Week NYC, scheduled for late May, will examine how federal tax credits and grid‑expansion plans could sustain renewable growth beyond seasonal peaks. Additionally, any resolution of the Strait of Hormuz dispute will be watched for its impact on LNG prices and subsequent investment decisions in gas versus wind and solar projects.