Global Solar Power Surpasses Wind for Longest Stretch: Maguire
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

Global Solar Power Surpasses Wind for Longest Stretch: Maguire

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.


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.

Next Story
Resources

ULCCS Showcases Cooperative Model at UN Symposium

Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS) showcased its community-led development model at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, where it participated as a panellist at the International Symposium on Cooperative Financial Institutions held on 28–29 May 2026.Jointly organised by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), the International Cooperative Banking Association (ICBA), and the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), the symposium was held under the theme ‘Fuelling Inclusive and Equitable Growth’ and brought together policymakers,..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Delhi Airport to Finalise 20-Year Master Plan

Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) is finalising a 20-year master plan to guide long term infrastructure and operational development at Indira Gandhi International Airport, an official said. The operator expects the plan to reflect changes in the airline industry, shifts in the competitive landscape and evolving infrastructure requirements across terminals, airside and support services. The official said the document is likely to be ready in the next two to two-and-a-half months as the operator moves through planning stages. The plan will be prepared after consultations with airport users ..

Next Story
Real Estate

Aadhar Housing Finance Targets Rs 500 bn AUM By FY29

Aadhar Housing Finance has set a target to raise its asset under management to Rs 500 billion (bn) by the end of FY29, aiming to achieve this over the next three financial years through an 18-20 per cent loan growth trajectory. The firm focuses on the low-income segment with a ticket size of less than Rs 1.5 million (mn) and has relied on that segment to drive expansion. The company closed FY26 with an AUM of Rs 305.71 bn, reflecting the expansion in recent years, and it reported a net profit rise of 22 per cent to Rs 11.08 bn. Management indicated that gross non-performing assets stood at 1.0..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

-->