Green

Renewables Overtake Coal in U.S. Generation for First Full Year

Wind, solar and hydro combined to produce 19% of U.S. electricity in 2025, narrowly edging out coal as the capital stock continues to roll over.

By Josh Saul·Apr 15, 2026·5 min read·4d ago

Renewable energy generated more electricity than coal over a full calendar year for the first time in 2025, according to final data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Wind, solar and hydroelectric together produced 19.1% of U.S. power, compared with 18.8% for coal, a milestone that reflects both growth in installed capacity and continued retirements of aging thermal plants.

Natural gas remained the largest single source at 41%.

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