Integrating Solar and Wind

Solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind power have been growing at an accelerated pace, more than doubling in installed capacity and nearly doubling their share of global electricity generation from 2018 to 2023. This report underscores the urgent need for timely integration of solar PV and wind capacity to achieve global decarbonisation goals, as these technologies are projected to contribute significantly to meet growing demands for electricity by 2030. However, should countries fail to implement integration measures in line with a scenario where they achieve their climate and energy pledges, the global power sector could jeopardise up to 15% of solar PV and wind energy or variable renewable energy (VRE) generation in 2030. If this gap is compensated for with continued reliance on fossil fuels, it could lead to significantly less CO₂ emissions reductions.

A key aspect of this report is a first-ever global stocktake of VRE integration measures across 50 power systems, which account for nearly 90% of global solar PV and wind power generation. This analysis identifies proven measures for facilitating VRE integration, particularly in systems at early phases of adoption. This report also updates IEA's phases of VRE integration framework to reflect emerging challenges at higher levels of VRE penetration and provides an overview of solutions to address them that are already beginning to be implemented in several countries. This report emphasises that while systems at early phases of VRE integration can accelerate deployment with relatively low system impact, those in high phases face more complex challenges related to stability and flexibility, which call for a transformation of how power systems are operated, planned and financed.

This report calls for strategic government action, enhanced infrastructure, and regulatory reforms to ensure the successful large-scale integration of solar PV and wind in order to meet global energy transition targets. Robust data, stakeholder collaboration and government prioritisation of integration measures are essential for overcoming these challenges and achieving a sustainable energy future.