Solar Power Surpasses Coal in the US
Despite the efforts of former President Donald Trump to support the coal industry, solar power is making significant strides in the United States. According to data from the global energy think tank Ember and reports by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and analytics firm Wood Mackenzie, solar power has become the leading source of new electricity generation in the country. In May 2024, for the first time, solar power supplied more of the nation’s electricity than coal, with 12.8 per cent compared to coal’s 12.2 per cent.
Nicolas Fulghum, a senior energy and data analyst at Ember, highlights that solar power has steadily increased its share in the US electricity mix over the years, while coal has lost its prominence. “Coal has lost its status as the largest source in the US mix, and has gradually fallen further over the years,” he explains. In May, solar became the third-largest source of electricity, following natural gas and nuclear, according to Fulghum.
The growth of solar power is driven by increasing electricity demand, which is rising due to factors such as artificial intelligence, domestic manufacturing, and the electrification of transportation and heating. Fulghum predicts that more months will see solar surpass coal, with the potential for solar to overtake coal on an annual basis in the coming years.
The Role of Renewable Energy in Reducing Carbon Emissions
Electricity is generated by converting various energy sources into electrical power. Burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas releases carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change. In contrast, renewable sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower, along with nuclear energy, are carbon-free.
While electricity consumption in the US remained relatively flat for about two decades, it is now increasing to meet the demands of modern technologies and infrastructure. This shift underscores the importance of renewable energy in reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change.
Global Trends in Renewable Energy
Globally, renewable energy is experiencing rapid growth. According to the International Energy Agency, renewables are expected to account for almost 45 per cent of global electricity generation by 2030. Wind and solar have previously surpassed coal, with wind power outpacing coal during spring months when wind speeds increase.
Ember gathers its hourly and monthly data from the US Energy Information Administration, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information on energy trends across the country.
Trump's Support for Coal Amid Rising Solar Growth
Despite the success of solar power, former President Trump has taken steps to support the struggling coal industry. Last week, he announced a plan to invest nearly $700 million (€606m) to assist coal-fired power plants and coal exports. Trump claimed that “coal’s a great business” and that “in terms of power, there’s really nothing like it.”
However, Martin Pochtaruk, CEO of Canadian-based solar panel manufacturer Heliene, argues that investors are more likely to support solar power due to its strong returns. “Investors will invest their money in whatever brings the best return,” he says. “And for power generation, that is solar.”
A White House spokeswoman defended the administration’s energy policies, stating they were aimed at strengthening national security. “The President has reversed the Left’s devastating policies, saved the American coal industry, prevented the retirement of more than 17 gigawatts of power, and saved lives during heightened demand periods,” said Taylor Rogers in a statement.
Solar as the Leading Source of New Power
Solar power has been the top source of new electricity generation in the US for five consecutive years, according to SEIA. In the first quarter of 2026, solar and battery storage accounted for 91 per cent of all new generating capacity, highlighting the rapid expansion of the sector.
Despite this growth, the Trump administration has canceled several solar and wind projects, implemented policies that slowed clean energy development, and terminated $7 billion (€6.06bn) in funding for affordable solar energy initiatives. Darren Van’t Hof, interim president and CEO of SEIA, criticizes these actions, stating that they are slowing down the development of critical resources needed to meet growing electricity demand.
Several groups have sued the Environmental Protection Agency over the cancellation of the Solar for All program, but a district court dismissed the case citing lack of jurisdiction. Another filing is pending in the Court of Federal Claims.
In a recent ruling, a federal judge struck down guidance from the Internal Revenue Service that restricted tax credits for wind and solar projects. Trump has blamed renewable energy sources for rising energy costs, but analysts attribute recent price hikes to factors such as increased demand, aging infrastructure, and extreme weather events linked to climate change.
Solar Growth in Trump-Winning States
States that supported Trump in the 2024 election accounted for 74 per cent of all solar capacity installed in the first quarter of 2026. Top states for new solar additions include Texas, Florida, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Arizona, and Mississippi. The US now has over six million solar installations nationwide, covering large-scale arrays, commercial, community, and residential solar.
Johanna Neumann, senior director at the Environment America Research and Policy Center, emphasizes that solar power is not only affordable but also scalable and abundant. “It’s hard to keep the lid on a good idea, especially if the economics are tilting in your favor,” she says.
Environment America’s renewable energy dashboard shows that 32 US states generated at least 10 per cent of their retail electricity sales from solar, wind, and geothermal energy in 2023, compared to 18 states in 2016. Clean energy growth is particularly strong in the South, including Florida, Arkansas, and Mississippi.
Neumann adds that there is a misconception that clean energy is limited to coastal areas and liberal cities. “The true story of renewable energy is a 50-state story,” she says.
No comments:
Post a Comment