In March, the United States generated more electricity from renewable sources, including solar and wind power, than from natural gas. This marks the first time this has occurred for a full month nationally, according to data from Ember. The year 2025 was previously recorded as a record year for renewable energy.
Projections for 2026 indicate that 93% of new electricity capacity additions are expected to come from solar, wind, and batteries. Fossil fuels are anticipated to account for only 7% of this new capacity.
However, the clean energy sector has faced challenges. Political actions have led to delays in project completion, impacting energy affordability. Additionally, global carbon dioxide emissions reportedly rose by 0.4% in the past year compared to 2024 levels.
Technological advancements in solar, wind, and battery storage have improved their reliability and cost-effectiveness. Over the last decade, wind and solar have represented less than 5% of the increase in electricity bills and have had a moderating effect on wholesale energy prices.
