Kathmandu, July 29 - The global energy transition has reached a significant new milestone as wind and solar power combined generated more electricity than natural gas during at least one month in early 2026, according to the latest analysis from international energy think tank Ember.
The finding, published in Ember’s Global Electricity Review 2026, marks the first time that wind and solar have surpassed gas on a monthly global scale, highlighting the accelerating role of renewable energy in the world’s power system. Analysts caution, however, that natural gas still produced a larger share of global electricity over the full year 2025, meaning the milestone reflects a monthly breakthrough rather than a complete annual shift in the global energy mix.
Ember estimates that wind and solar together supplied around 15 percent of global electricity in 2025, continuing a strong upward trend driven largely by rapid growth in solar power. The report identifies solar energy as the fastest-growing source of electricity worldwide for the twentieth consecutive year, with generation increasing by roughly 29 percent compared with the previous year.
The broader renewable expansion is also being confirmed by the International Energy Agency (IEA). The agency reports that the world added approximately 585 gigawatts of new renewable power capacity in 2024, the largest annual increase ever recorded. Solar photovoltaic installations accounted for the majority of those additions, with China remaining the dominant driver of global solar deployment.
Energy experts say the new milestone demonstrates that renewable technologies are no longer marginal contributors to electricity systems. During periods of strong sunshine and favourable wind conditions, they are increasingly capable of outperforming major fossil-fuel sources for sustained periods, something that appeared unlikely only a decade ago.
Spain Shows the Benefits of High Renewable Penetration
In Europe, Spain has emerged as one of the clearest examples of the economic benefits associated with large-scale renewable deployment. Strong output from solar, wind, and hydropower has helped reduce wholesale electricity prices during many periods of 2025 and 2026. While household electricity bills are influenced by taxes, network charges, and retail pricing structures, Spain’s high renewable share has reduced consumer exposure to volatile fossil-fuel markets and helped moderate power costs during periods of high renewable generation.
European energy analysts note that such experiences are increasingly important as countries seek to improve energy security, price stability, and climate resilience at the same time.
Coal Still Remains the Largest Source
Despite the rapid progress of renewables, the global transition is far from complete. Ember’s review indicates that coal remains the world’s largest single source of electricity generation, underscoring the continued dependence of many economies on fossil fuels for industrial activity and power supply.
Nevertheless, the report shows that most net growth in global electricity demand is now being met by low-carbon sources, including solar, wind, hydropower, and nuclear energy. This suggests that the structure of the global electricity sector is gradually shifting toward cleaner sources, even as total electricity demand continues to rise.
Implications for Countries Like Nepal
For countries such as Nepal, which already relies heavily on hydropower, the accelerating global shift toward renewables carries important lessons. Falling costs for solar panels, battery storage systems, and grid-balancing technologies could create new opportunities to diversify the national energy mix, improve energy reliability during the dry season, and expand access to clean electricity in remote areas.
The latest international data indicate that the momentum behind renewable energy is continuing to strengthen, and that wind and solar are moving from alternative energy sources to central pillars of the future global electricity system.
Sources: Ember Global Electricity Review 2026; International Energy Agency (IEA) Electricity 2025 and Renewables 2024 reports.
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