Global Solar Power Surpasses Wind for Longest Stretch: Maguire

29 Aug 2024 CW Team

Global electricity generation from solar farms has surpassed that from wind farms since May, marking the longest period on record where solar power has been the leading source of utility-scale renewable electricity worldwide.

According to the energy think tank Ember, solar electricity generation exceeded wind generation by 1.65 terawatt hours (TWh) in May and by 9.57 TWh in June. The data for global generation in July has not yet been released, but it is expected to show an even larger surplus for solar power, as July is typically the peak month for solar output in the northern hemisphere.

The data for August is also anticipated to reflect solar generation exceeding wind output, as August is usually the second highest month for solar generation and also represents a period of lower global wind generation due to reduced wind speeds at turbine level. Previously, solar power generation had only surpassed wind generation in August and June of 2023 and had never sustained such a prolonged period of higher generation.

However, it is expected that once solar output levels decrease next month due to the changing angle of the sun's rays, wind power will reclaim its position as the leading renewable energy source globally. This shift will be supported by increasing wind speeds as winter approaches in Europe, North America, and Northern Asia.

For the entire year of 2024, it is projected that total wind-powered electricity generation will be at least 30 per cent higher than total solar generation, given that the peak period for wind generation occurs during winter when wind output can exceed solar output by more than double.

Resources

11 May 2026

Hindustan Zinc Joins Dow Jones ESG Index

Hindustan Zinc has been included in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class Index 2026 for Emerging Markets following the latest index rebalance by S&P Dow Jones Indices. The inclusion marks the company’s first entry into the global ESG benchmark index.Formerly known as the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, the benchmark tracks companies demonstrating strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance across global markets. Hindustan Zinc is among only 25 Indian companies included in the emerging markets index and one of only two companies from India’s metals and mining sector.The company..

Carlton London Enters Furniture Market with EBG Group

Carlton London has entered India’s furniture market through a partnership with EBG Group, launching Carlton Luxury Furniture with a focus on sustainable and long-life home interiors. The venture plans to open 600 franchise-led showrooms across 300 cities over the next five years through a partner-driven expansion model. The company expects the rollout to generate investments of Rs 18-20 billion from franchise stakeholders and create over 12,000 jobs across the country. The brand said the initiative will focus on sustainability-led furniture manufacturing, targeting a reduction of around 16..

BirlaNu Opens First Vijayawada Experience Centre

BirlaNu, part of the CKA Birla Group, has launched its first Experience Centre in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, marking a strategic expansion in South India.Located at Mahatma Gandhi Road, Governorpet, the centre showcases BirlaNu’s portfolio across walls, floors, pipes, putty and construction chemicals through simulated real-world application displays. The format allows customers, contractors and architects to directly evaluate products before specification or purchase.The company said the initiative addresses a long-standing gap in the building materials sector, where purchasing decisions ar..