90% of new electricity capacity in 2024 to date comes from renewables

Renewable energy sources  accounted for almost 90% of new electrical generating capacity in the United States added in the first nine months of 2024, with solar accounting for 78% of new capacity. That’s according to data newly released from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

The data show that September is the thirteenth month in a row in which solar was the largest source of new capacity. 1,786 megawatts (MW) of new solar were placed into service in September 2024,  similar to the generating capacity of a large coal-fired power plant. During the first nine months of 2024, solar and wind added 18,635-MW and 2,626-MW respectively.

“The rapid growth of solar and wind energy should boost all Americans’ confidence that we can power our lives with pollution-free energy sources that never run out,” said Johanna Neumann, Senior Director of the Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy at Environment America Research & Policy Center. “To realize the full environmental benefits of renewable energy, our leaders must act to rein in senseless and harmful energy use, so that our new renewable energy capacity supplants that of fossil fuels, rather than adds to it.”