Solar is crushing gas growth worldwide, a new report finds

Solar power is outpacing natural gas in global electricity generation growth, according to a report released this week by the climate and energy think tank Ember. The analysis indicates that 61 out of 124 economies relying on gas for electricity have already surpassed their peak gas power generation. This trend includes four G7 nations: the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Japan. The report attributes this shift to the increasing affordability and security offered by renewable energy sources, particularly solar. Ember's data suggests that solar power capacity additions are significantly outstripping those of natural gas globally. This transition is driven by a combination of falling solar costs and government policies aimed at decarbonizing energy sectors. The findings highlight a substantial reorientation of the global energy landscape away from fossil fuels and towards renewables, with solar emerging as a dominant force in new capacity additions. The report further details that the decline in gas power generation is not limited to developed economies but is also observed in several emerging markets, signaling a broader global commitment to cleaner energy alternatives. This shift is crucial for meeting international climate targets and reducing reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets.