The global energy landscape reached a historic turning point in April when wind and solar power collectively generated more electricity than gas-fired power plants for the first time, according to analysis from the thinktank Ember.
The two renewable sources accounted for 22 percent of global electricity in April, compared with 20 percent from gas. The milestone represents a fundamental shift in how the world generates power, driven by economic factors rather than crisis response.
Kostantsa Rangelova, global electricity analyst at Ember, emphasized that the achievement reflects long-term trends rather than temporary disruptions. "Countries around the world have been turning to wind and solar because they are cheap, homegrown and secure sources of electricity," Rangelova said, speaking to Positive News. "The current energy crisis has further strengthened the economic case for renewables."
The development comes as global sales of petrol and diesel cars continue their decline from a 2017 peak. Data from Our World in Data shows that sales of new motor cars have fallen by approximately 25 percent since that year, dropping to just over 60 million vehicles in 2025. Meanwhile, electric car sales more than doubled between 2022 and 2025.
In Europe, the electric vehicle market grew by 29 percent in the first quarter of this year, according to E-Mobility Europe, a trade association. Germany leads the continent's electric car market, followed by the United Kingdom, France, and Turkey.
The renewable energy transition is creating substantial economic opportunities. In Scotland, the net-zero economy now supports 105,000 jobs—approximately double the 53,000 people employed by the country's offshore oil and gas industry as of 2022. Research from the Confederation of British Industry found that Scotland's green economy contributes £10 billion to the national economy and represents 4.9 percent of economic output.
Small and medium-sized firms are driving this transformation, accounting for 90 percent of Scotland's clean technology companies. Michelle Ferguson, CBI's Scotland director, described the statistics as "hugely encouraging" and called on the government to help scale clean tech businesses by investing in skills and streamlining planning processes.
The findings challenge recent political narratives suggesting that climate targets hinder economic growth. Ferguson characterized government support as "critical" for energy security and economic expansion.
Innovation in renewable energy continues to advance. Among the finalists for the European Inventor Award is Przemek Ben Paczek of Poland, whose team developed a levitation system that can be retrofitted to existing railways. The "magnetic surfboard" allows freight to be moved without locomotives or fossil fuels. The award winner will be announced on Wednesday, July 2.
The transition extends beyond energy production to transportation infrastructure. England's first Dutch-style "cycle street" opened on Adams Road in Cambridge, giving cyclists and pedestrians priority over motorists. The route serves approximately 3,000 cyclists daily, with usage expected to increase as more people gain confidence cycling into the city.
Anna Williams, head of campaigns at Camcycle, a local charity, expressed hope that the cycle street will be "the first of many in the city." She noted that providing more space for active travel will improve safety and encourage more people to choose sustainable transportation for everyday journeys.
As renewable energy sources continue to gain market share and sustainable infrastructure expands, the April milestone suggests that the global energy transition has reached a point of irreversible momentum. The convergence of economic incentives, technological advancement, and policy support appears to be accelerating the shift away from fossil fuels across multiple sectors.
