Solar power in the fast lane: IEA sees photovoltaics overtaking wind power in 2026

The International Energy Agency expects renewable energies worldwide to supply more electricity than coal-fired power plants as early as 2026. The main driver of this development is photovoltaics: it is expected to overtake wind energy next year and establish itself as the second most important renewable source of electricity behind hydropower. The forecast sees global solar power generation increasing by around 600 terawatt hours – a pace that would repeat this year's record growth and continue into 2027.

At the same time, global electricity demand is rising noticeably: the IEA expects growth of 3.6 percent in 2026, and as much as 3.8 percent the following year. This additional demand is being driven by industry, air conditioning, electric vehicles, data centers, and the increasing spread of electrical devices. Demand is growing particularly strongly in China and India, while it is rising more moderately, but still noticeably, in the USA and the EU.

The context is interesting: disruptions in global natural gas supply chains have recently driven gas prices to their highest level since the 2022/2023 energy crisis, which in some countries led to increased use of coal power. However, the parallel expansion of solar and wind energy helped to secure the electricity supply more broadly and cushion the effects of this gas crisis – an argument that also remains relevant for the energy transition in Austria and the expansion of local energy communities.

Bild: KI-generiert