In the United States in 2024, a significant shift in the energy landscape was observed as wind and solar power surpassed coal in terms of electricity generation. According to a report from global energy think tank Ember, wind and solar accounted for 17% of total electricity generation, while coal fell to a record low of 15%. This marks a significant milestone in the transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
The report highlights that since the peak of coal power in 2007, wind and solar have overtaken coal in 24 states across the country. The most recent addition to this list was Illinois in 2024, following states like Arizona, Colorado, Florida, and Maryland in 2023. This shift underscores the growing importance of renewable energy sources in the US energy mix.
One of the key findings of the report is the increase in electricity demand, which rose by 3% in 2024, marking the fifth-highest level of rise this century. This rise in demand was met with higher solar, wind, and gas generation. While natural gas saw significant growth, increasing three times more than the decline in coal, coal itself fell by the second smallest amount since 2014. This shift in the energy landscape has led to a slight increase in power sector CO2 emissions, but the overall carbon intensity of electricity continued to decline.
Solar power emerged as the fastest-growing source of electricity in 2024, with a 27% increase in generation. Solar generation surpassed hydropower for the first time and accounted for 81% of all new annual power capacity additions in the US. States like California and Nevada achieved significant milestones by surpassing 30% annual share of solar in their electricity mix. The growth of solar, coupled with advancements in battery technology, has enabled states to harness solar power more effectively, even during nighttime hours.
While solar saw significant growth, wind power also played a crucial role in the energy transition. Despite a modest 7% increase in generation, wind still generated 50% more power than solar in 2024, making up 10% of the US electricity mix.
Looking ahead, the report emphasizes the need for clean energy sources like solar and wind to continue growing to meet the rising demand for electricity. With the adoption of electric vehicles, air conditioning, heat pumps, and data centers, the demand for electricity is expected to increase in the coming years. Solar and wind power are well-positioned to meet this rising demand without compromising on affordability or reliability.
In conclusion, the transition towards renewable energy sources like solar and wind is not only essential for reducing carbon emissions but also for ensuring a sustainable and reliable energy future. The report highlights the significant progress made in 2024 and underscores the importance of continuing to invest in clean energy technologies to meet the growing energy needs of the future.
