Solar Power Surpasses Coal in the US: A Clean Energy Victory

A new report from Ember reveals that in 2024, wind and solar power accounted for 17% of total US electricity generation, exceeding coal, which dropped to a record low of 15%. Solar power saw the fastest growth, increasing by 27% and surpassing hydropower. While natural gas also experienced significant growth, solar's expansion was even more rapid, aided by advancements in battery technology that enable better management of fluctuating solar output. California and Nevada both exceeded 30% solar power in their electricity mix. Despite slower wind growth, it still generated significantly more power than solar. The report emphasizes the need for faster clean energy development to meet rising electricity demand, highlighting solar and wind as crucial components of this transition.