The U.S. used to get more of its electricity from burning coal than by any other means. It wasn’t all that long ago; coal produced 51% of our electricity in 2001. But as of 2022, it was less than 20%.
In March and April, the U.S. generated more electricity from wind power than from coal. This was the first time that wind outstripped coal for two consecutive months.
This crossover between wind and coal power is just another milestone in the energy transition to renewable energy sources. Renewables collectively produce more electricity than coal and their share is steadily growing. The explosive growth in renewable energy is primarily the result of three factors: federal tax credits, state energy mandates away from fossil fuels, and, most importantly, shifts in the economics of energy. Breakthroughs in technology and economies of scale have lowered the cost of building new wind turbines, solar panels, and battery storage.
Coal plants have retired at a rapid pace over the past 25 years. During that time, natural gas capacity has nearly tripled. Gas began to replace coal starting around 2005 when the fracking boom led to the availability of large quantities of cheap natural gas. Because of this, fossil fuels are still the largest source of electricity generation in the U.S., but that is not likely to be the case for very long.
Analysts expect that wind energy will grow to provide about 35% of the country’s electricity by 2050. The Department of Energy predicts that solar power will produce 45% of U.S. electricity by that year.
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Wind Beat Coal Two Months in a Row for U.S. Electricity Generation
Photo, posted August 5, 2024, courtesy of Samir Luther via Flickr.
Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio
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