Renewables well ahead of coal and nuclear in US, as they chase down fossil gas

Renewable energy sources across the United States have provided nearly a quarter of the country’s electrical generation through the first two-thirds of 2022, accounting for 23.3%, up from 20.6% a year earlier.

A recent review of data by the Sun Day Campaign reveals that renewable energy sources increased their electrical output by 17.5% compared to the same period a year earlier.

This has resulted in renewables – including wind, solar, hydropower, geothermal, and biomass – accounting for 23.3% of the total US electrical generation through the first two thirds of the year.

The analysis of data published by the US government’s Energy Information Administration (EIA) reveals strong increases in generation by solar, wind, and hydropower.

Electrical generation from the US wind energy sector increased by 22% and provided 10% of total electrical generation. Solar generation increased by 26.9% and provided 5%, while hydropower generation increased by 10.5% to account for 6.7% of the total.

The continued strong showing from the renewables sector has helped ensure it remains the second leading electricity source in the US, behind only fossil gas. Through the first two-thirds of 2022, the US renewables sector out-produced both coal and nuclear power by 17.9% and 32.3% respectively.

For comparison, just five years ago, the share of the United States’ electricity generated by coal was 30.3% while nuclear power accounted for 19.6%. Their respective shares have dropped to 19.8% and 17.6%.

In the same time frame, renewables have increased its share from 18.2% to 23.3%. Fossil gas continues to lead with a 38.5% share.

“These latest statistics suggest that renewables may well be on track to surpass EIA’s forecast for renewables to provide 22% of US electrical generation in 2022 and 24% in 2023,” said Ken Bossong, the Sun Day Campaign’s executive director.

“Bolstered by the Inflation Reduction Act, renewables’ share could easily surpass 25% by the end of next year.”