Portuguese 
Spanish 
5 min of reading 
0 comments 
The planet has just reached a historic milestone in the energy transition: for the first time, the combined generation of solar and wind energy has surpassed electricity production from natural gas on a global scale. The data is part of the Global Electricity Review 2026 report, released by the international research center Ember, specialized in analysis of the global electricity sector.
Additionally, the survey shows that solar energy was the main driver of clean electricity growth in 2025, while wind energy consolidated its position among the largest renewable sources on the planet. According to Ember researchers, the advancement of the two technologies is accelerating the reduction of global dependence on fossil fuels.
Clean energy sets global record
The growth of renewable energies reached historic levels in recent years.
Moreover, the combination of solar and wind energy has come to account for an increasingly larger share of the electricity consumed on the planet.
-
Africa has about 500,000 cell towers and most still burn diesel to operate, while companies rush to cover antennas with solar energy and avoid signal blackouts.
-
Farmers swapped diesel for solar panels in Pakistan, powered irrigation pumps almost cost-free, expanded rice fields, and now groundwater has become a red alert in the countryside.
-
NGO opens slots for free solar energy course exclusively for women in São Gonçalo
-
How much does it cost to install solar energy at home in 2026? This method of generating energy attracts attention for allowing a reduction in electricity expenses and an estimated financial return between four and seven years, with residential systems costing between R$ 15,000 and R$ 28,000.
Experts state that technological advancement and cost reduction have accelerated the global expansion of clean sources.
In this context, the energy market is experiencing an unprecedented structural change.
Solar leads global energy revolution
Solar energy was the main driver of the new historic turnaround.
Additionally, according to the Global Electricity Review 2026 report by Ember, solar generation grew by about 29% in 2025, recording the largest absolute increase among all electricity sources analyzed.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), solar energy is currently among the most competitive forms of electricity generation in various regions of the world.
Therefore, global investments continue to grow rapidly.
Wind energy also set records
Wind energy production also recorded strong global expansion.
Additionally, wind farms have taken on a strategic position in countries across Europe, Asia, and North America.
Experts state that wind has established itself as one of the main alternatives to fossil fuels.
In this scenario, the participation of clean energy continues to increase.
Natural gas lost ground for the first time
Historically considered a transition fuel, natural gas has begun to lose prominence in the face of the renewable energy boom.
Additionally, solar generation already surpasses the energy growth of gas in various regions around the world.
Experts state that the lower costs of renewable energies have completely changed the logic of the global electric sector.
Therefore, governments and companies are accelerating investments in clean energy.
Renewable energy costs have plummeted
In the last 15 years, the cost of solar generation has dropped drastically.
Additionally, battery storage systems have also become much cheaper recently.
Experts state that this has made solar and wind economically more competitive than coal and gas in much of the world.
In this context, the expansion of renewables has gained historical speed.
China leads global expansion of clean energy
China continues to be the largest contributor to the global expansion of renewable energies.
Additionally, the country leads in the production of solar panels, turbines, and electric batteries.
Experts state that Chinese investments have accelerated the global energy transformation.
Therefore, the country has become a protagonist in the new green economy.
Europe also reached a historic milestone
In the European Union, solar and wind energy have already surpassed fossil fuels in electricity generation.
Additionally, several European countries have increased investments in electric grids and energy storage.
Experts claim that the European continent is experiencing one of the fastest energy transitions on the planet.
In this scenario, coal continues to lose ground.
Renewables save billions in fossil fuel expenses
The expansion of clean sources also has a huge economic impact.
According to estimates cited by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and international energy sector organizations, the expansion of renewable sources has helped countries reduce spending on fossil fuel imports and increased energy security in various regions.
Experts claim that clean energy reduces vulnerability to geopolitical crises and fluctuations in oil and gas.
Therefore, several countries are accelerating environmental goals.
Global demand for electricity continues to grow
Even with the accelerated increase in global energy consumption, renewables have managed to meet practically all the new demand.
Furthermore, factors such as artificial intelligence, electric cars, and data centers have significantly increased global electricity consumption.
Experts claim that the challenge now will be to expand electrical grids and storage systems.
In this context, batteries have become a key component of the energy transition.
Fossil fuels still dominate part of the sector
Despite the historic shift, oil, coal, and gas still have a large share in the global energy matrix.
Moreover, many countries remain highly dependent on fossil fuels for industry and transportation.
Experts claim that the energy transition is still underway and will require trillions in investments.
Therefore, the advancement of renewables is being closely watched worldwide.
Brazil appears in a privileged position
Brazil already has one of the cleanest electricity matrices on the planet.
Additionally, data from the National Electric System Operator (ONS) and the Energy Research Company (EPE) indicate that approximately 90% of the electricity generated in Brazil comes from renewable sources, mainly hydroelectric, wind, solar, and biomass.
Experts state that the country has enormous potential to further expand its sustainable energy leadership.
In this scenario, the Brazilian sector continues to attract investments.
Batteries accelerate a new phase of clean energy
The advancement of storage systems is completely changing the energy sector.
Additionally, more efficient batteries allow solar energy to be stored and used even at night.
Experts state that this technology solves part of the challenges related to the intermittency of renewables.
Therefore, energy storage has become a global priority.
What experts expect for the coming years
Analysts believe that solar and wind will continue to dominate global energy expansion.
Projections from the International Energy Agency (IEA) indicate that renewable sources should continue to lead the expansion of global electrical capacity throughout this decade, driven mainly by solar energy and advances in battery storage.
Among the main factors being monitored are:
- Expansion of solar energy
- Growth of wind energy
- Reduction in the use of gas and coal
- Advancement of batteries
- Investments in electrical infrastructure
All these elements should further accelerate the global energy revolution.
World officially enters the era of clean energy
The historic surpassing of natural gas by solar and wind energy marks one of the most important moments in the recent history of the global energy sector.
Additionally, the advancement of renewables shows that the energy transition has ceased to be just an environmental trend and has become an economic and strategic reality.
As governments and companies increase investments in clean sources, the planet begins to enter a new era dominated by solar energy, wind, and sustainable technologies.
Be the first to react!