In a historic shift, solar and wind power have overtaken coal as the leading sources of electricity generation in the United States, according to a new report from energy think tank Ember. For the first time, wind and solar produced more electricity than coal last year, with coal falling to a historic low of 15% of the country's electricity generation.

This milestone marks a significant turning point in the US energy landscape, as the country continues to transition away from fossil fuels and towards cleaner, more sustainable sources of energy. The growth of solar and wind power is attributed to market forces, despite the Trump administration's efforts to roll back clean energy initiatives.

Solar energy, in particular, has seen remarkable growth, with a record 31 gigawatts of utility-scale solar capacity added in 2024. This represents an 81% increase in added annual capacity, making solar the fastest-growing source of electricity in the US. The cost of solar energy has also reached historic lows, becoming the cheapest source of electricity in most parts of the world.

Wind generation, while growing more modestly, still accounts for around 10% of the US electricity mix, making it a significant contributor to the country's renewable energy portfolio. Onshore wind is also generally a cheaper source of electricity than coal or gas.

Despite the Trump administration's attempts to undermine renewable energy initiatives, the growth of solar and wind power is expected to continue, driven by market forces and increasing demand for clean energy. The rise of energy-hungry AI data centers, crypto mines, and electric vehicles and appliances has led to growing interest in developing more sources of energy across the board, from renewables to nuclear reactors and gas plants.

A separate report from the Solar Energy Industries Association and Wood Mackenzie notes that manufacturing capacity for solar modules grew by 190% in the US last year, with Texas seeing the most growth in solar and also having the most module manufacturing capacity. This growth is expected to continue, with the report predicting that the US will need to install 900 gigawatts of renewable energy and batteries by 2040 to meet growing demand.

The shift towards renewable energy is not without its challenges, however. The report notes that the US will need to significantly expand its power grids to accommodate the growth of solar and wind power, and that up to 100 gigawatts of new gas capacity may be needed to meet demand. This has sparked debate among researchers and policymakers about the role of gas in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Despite these challenges, the growth of solar and wind power is a significant step forward for the US in its transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy mix. As Ember chief analyst Dave Jones notes, "Solar is winning," and with continued growth and investment, it's likely that renewable energy will play an increasingly important role in the US energy landscape.