The United States’ electrical generation landscape is undergoing scrutiny as the country’s trajectory on renewable energy sources diverges from political rhetoric. Despite the previous administration’s stance against renewables, wind and solar energy have been steadily gaining ground in the nation’s energy mix.
During the previous administration, policies were enacted that favored coal generation over renewables like wind and solar. However, key incentives such as the production tax credit for wind and investment tax credit for solar were extended, contributing to the growth of these clean energy sources. Despite rescinding the Clean Power Plan and weakening regulations on coal plant emissions, wind and solar energy have managed to maintain their upward trajectory.
Recent data shows that total electrical generation in the United States has remained relatively stagnant since 2000, despite a significant increase in overall primary energy demand, predominantly fueled by fossil fuels. The slow growth in renewable electricity has only marginally eroded the market share held by coal, gas, and oil in the energy mix.
If the surge in energy demand had been met with renewable electricity, the need for primary energy would have been significantly reduced, resulting in a substantial decrease in fossil fuel consumption. The Biden administration has taken steps to bolster wind and solar energy production, signaling a shift towards a more sustainable energy future.
