Base load exists on the consumer side and unless energy storage ramps up 1000-10000x across the world, I don't see how solar and wind could ever cover it until then. Human power usage patterns don't change that much because we don't change much. You need to be able to provide X energy at all times, no ifs and buts.

Actually, there is one thing, we need super capable and reliable super long distance power grid connections, maybe there's some progress on this front?

Because solar and wind absolutely are unreliable on a local front.