In the US, wind and solar power have surpassed coal for the first time, changing the way the country gets its energy. In 28 states, clean energy is now the primary power source, from deserts that get a lot of sun to areas with a lot of wind. This shows that sustainability and affordability can go hand in hand. Coal was once an essential part of America’s power grid, but more affordable, cleaner options are quickly taking its place.

In the US, a brighter, cleaner future is on the way as more towns choose renewable energy over pollution. But will politics get in the way? The fight for the future of energy has started.

States Leading Clean Energy Transition

A new study from the Ember think tank says that 28 states now get more power from solar and wind than coal. These states are from all over the country, showing that clean energy isn’t longer a trend in the Midwest or along the coasts.

Western States: Solar Powerhouses

• California has the country’s most significant solar farms and the most innovative clean energy policies. These policies encourage new ideas and lower emissions. Due to its push for 100% renewable energy, the state is a world leader in ecology.
• Arizona and Nevada have the most sunny days, which makes solar energy the most popular and cost effective way to get power. Both states keep adding to their utility scale solar projects to keep up with rising demand.
• Colorado and New Mexico have quickly switched to using wind and solar power. This has generally reduced their reliance on fossil fuels and encouraged investments in clean energy infrastructure for a better future.

Midwest and Great Plains: Wind Power

• Because of their wide open spaces and strong winds, Iowa and Kansas are two of the best states in the U.S. for producing wind energy.
• The use of wind power has also skyrocketed in Minnesota and Nebraska, which is helping to eliminate coal plants.
• Texas produces more power than any other state in the U.S., has the most wind energy capacity, and is still adding to its solar infrastructure.

Northeastern States: Green Energy Push

• New York and Massachusetts have strong clean energy policies and have invested heavily in offshore wind projects.
• By focusing on a mix of wind, solar, and hydropower, Maine and Vermont have become much less dependent on coal.

Why Wind and Solar Outperform Coal

Clean Energy Is Affordable

In the last twenty years, the price of green energy has dropped dramatically. A study in 2023 found that solar and wind energy could be used instead of almost all coal plants in the U.S. In many situations, adding battery storage is still more affordable than keeping running coal units.

Government Policies Lead Change

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) gives businesses big tax breaks for using clean energy, speeding up the switch to renewable power. Because of these tax breaks, solar, wind, and battery storage are now more affordable. 

Fossil Gas Replaces Coal

Because of the fracking boom, natural gas is now the most critical energy source. In 2023, it will provide 43% of the power in the US Gas is a fossil fuel, but it burns cleaner than coal. This is a big reason why coal is becoming less popular.

Rapid coal plant closures

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) says 8.1 gigawatts of coal power will be shut down in 2025 alone. That’s almost 5% of the country’s coal fleet. One hundred twenty coal plants will close over the next five years, cutting carbon pollution even more.

Politics Over Coal’s Future

Even though renewable energy is good for the economy and the environment, some politicians are trying to revive the coal business. President Trump recently said he wants to increase coal production, which he described as “beautiful, clean coal.” Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum have also said they want to stop coal plants from closing.

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Next for Clean Energy

1. Renewables will grow

Solar and wind power will likely provide the newest energy capability in the next few years. As battery storage technology improves, green energy sources will become even more reliable and able to provide power around the clock.

2. More states will abandon coal

As costs continue to drop and the public desire for cleaner energy grows, more states will join the 28 that already get more power from wind and solar than coal.

3. Policy Determines Coal’s Future

If the federal government keeps backing renewable energy sources, coal will disappear even faster. 

Conclusion

It’s not just possible anymore; the switch to clean energy is already happening. In 28 states, wind and solar power already make more energy than coal.

This means that future electricity in the U.S. will be more affordable, cleaner and last longer. As a part of the clean energy change, Dowd Solar Group offers innovative and affordable solutions for a better future.