Renewables Overtake Coal as Top U.S. Electricity Source, Driven by Growth in Wind and Solar
• Renewable energy surpassed coal in 2022 to become the largest source of U.S. electricity production, making up 21% of total generation
• Growth was driven by increases in utility-scale wind and solar capacity, while coal dropped to just 20% of total generation
• Economics is the main driver - renewables have reduced wholesale electricity prices by billions, cushioning against rises in coal and gas prices
• Natural gas remains the single largest power source due to its lower emissions than coal, but future growth is expected to stagnate
• Renewables are now the most affordable new electricity source in much of the country, driving this shift