Historic Milestone for Wind and Solar
In a groundbreaking shift for the U.S. energy sector, wind and solar Power Generation collectively generated more electricity than coal for the first time in 2024, according to a report by the energy think tank Ember. The data revealed that coal’s share in the national electricity mix declined to a historic low of 15 percent, while wind and solar energy contributed a combined 17 percent. This milestone underscores the nation’s evolving energy landscape, driven by market forces and increasing investments in renewable energy sources.
Despite recent policy shifts away from clean energy, the momentum for renewables remains strong. The market has continued to favor wind and solar due to their decreasing costs and expanding infrastructure. These developments indicate that even as federal policies fluctuate, the transition towards renewable energy is firmly underway, driven by economic competitiveness and technological advancements.
Solar Leads the Renewable Surge
Solar Power Generation emerged as the fastest-growing source of electricity in 2024, accounting for 81 percent of newly added energy capacity, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Utility-scale solar energy saw an unprecedented increase of 31 gigawatts—enough to power millions of homes. This surge was bolstered by significant advancements in solar technology and the continued decline in production costs, making solar energy one of the cheapest electricity sources worldwide.
The U.S. solar manufacturing industry also experienced remarkable growth, with production capacity for solar modules increasing by 190 percent in 2024, as reported by the Solar Energy Industries Association and Wood Mackenzie. Texas led the nation in both solar expansion and module manufacturing, signaling a shift in the energy profile of a state traditionally associated with oil and gas.
Meanwhile, wind energy continued its steady expansion, contributing about 10 percent of the nation’s electricity supply—double that of solar. Like solar power, onshore wind power remains a more cost-effective option compared to coal and gas. The sustained growth in both sectors highlights the increasing viability of renewable energy in meeting the nation’s electricity demand.
Growing Demand and Future Challenges
The overall demand for electricity in the U.S. climbed by 3 percent in 2024, marking one of the highest increases in the 21st century. The rise has been largely attributed to the rapid expansion of energy-intensive technologies, including artificial intelligence data centers, cryptocurrency mining, and electric vehicles. This growing demand has intensified the push for expanding energy infrastructure, prompting discussions about the future role of renewables, nuclear power, and gas-fired plants.
While gas-fired Power Generation plants experienced a 3.3 percent rise in electricity generation, coal continued its decline, having peaked in 2007. Although natural gas emits less carbon dioxide than coal, it remains a significant contributor to climate change. A newly released industry report projects that the U.S. will need to install 900 gigawatts of renewable energy and battery storage by 2040 to meet rising energy demands. Additionally, the report suggests the possibility of adding 100 gigawatts of new gas capacity, though experts caution against over-reliance on fossil fuels.
Ember’s chief analyst, Dave Jones, emphasized that solar energy is now a dominant force in power generation, surpassing gas in new capacity additions in 2024. While fossil fuels still account for around 60 percent of the national energy mix, renewables have made significant strides. The shift since 2018—when coal generated three times as much electricity as wind and solar combined—illustrates the rapid transformation of the U.S. energy sector toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.
