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.

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