In a historic first for the United States, wind and solar energy sources outpaced coal in electricity production last year, according to a recent report from energy think tank Ember. The data highlights a pivotal moment in the U.S. energy landscape, with coal's contribution plummeting to a record low of 15 percent, overshadowed by the combined output of solar and wind, which reached 17 percent.
The shift comes despite the federal government’s retreat from promoting clean energy initiatives. The report indicates that market forces may continue to drive growth in renewable energy, even against the backdrop of a political climate that has been less than supportive. Solar power emerged as the fastest-growing electricity source, contributing to a staggering 81 percent of new annual capacity across the nation.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that solar power alone expanded by a record 31 gigawatts in 2024. For perspective, this amount of energy is equivalent to almost 1.9 million solar panels. Furthermore, while solar energy achieved unprecedented low costs in recent years, manufacturing capacity in the U.S. surged by 190 percent, marking a significant shift in the domestic solar industry.
Wind energy also contributed to the overall growth, constituting around 10 percent of the electricity mix, despite a slower rate of increase. The U.S. has witnessed coal's decline since it peaked in 2007, as wind and solar overtook it in 24 states, with Illinois being the latest to join this trend.
Interestingly, electricity demand soared 3 percent last year, marking the highest increase in the electricity sector this century. This surge included rising usage from electric vehicles, data centers, and other energy-intensive technologies. The combination of increased demand and the reduced reliance on coal indicates a shifting energy paradigm, underscoring the growing importance of renewable sources in meeting the country’s future energy needs.