For the first time in U.S. history, solar and wind renewable energy have surpassed coal in electricity generation. This milestone, reached in 2024, marks a crucial turning point in the country's and possibly the world's energy transition. With 17% of total electricity generation coming from solar and wind sources, compared to 15% from coal, we are witnessing a seismic shift in the energy landscape. A shift driven by economics, innovation, and the growing urgency of addressing the climate crisis.
Solar energy, in particular, has experienced explosive growth. With installed capacity reaching 31 gigawatts (GW) in the United States, it is establishing itself as the fastest-growing electricity generation technology. This boom is no coincidence. Solar energy has become the cheapest source of energy in many parts of the world, including the United States. As someone once wisely said, "It's the economy, stupid!" And the economy, in this case, clearly favors renewables.
This shift toward clean energy is even more significant considering the growing global energy demand. Rising household consumption, the proliferation of data centers that support our digital lives, and the electrification of transportation, with the rise of electric vehicles, are driving an unprecedented energy need. Reports from the American Clean Power Association and other agencies estimate that the United States will need to add 900 GW of new generating capacity by 2040. How this demand is met will have profound implications for the future of the planet.
Opting for sustainable sources like solar and wind is not only economically smart, but also crucial for mitigating the effects of climate change. Every megawatt generated with renewable energy is a megawatt not produced by burning fossil fuels, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
However, despite the clear economic and environmental advantages of renewables, challenges remain. Political inertia and vested interests in the fossil fuel industry remain an obstacle. Some politicians, for reasons best known to them, continue to advocate for increased energy generation from fossil fuels, ignoring the scientific and economic evidence that points in the opposite direction. It is imperative that citizens hold these politicians accountable and promote an energy policy based on science and the public interest.
The United States' leadership in the energy transition is critical. As one of the world's largest economies and energy consumers, the decisions the country makes will have a global impact. The growing adoption of solar and wind energy in the United States sends a powerful signal to the rest of the world, demonstrating that the transition to a clean energy future is not only possible, but also economically viable.
The image above illustrates the evolution of energy generation in the United States in recent years. The sustained growth of renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, and the decline of coal are clearly visible. This chart visualizes the change we are experiencing and underscores the importance of continuing to invest in these clean technologies.
While the 2024 milestone is cause for celebration, we cannot afford complacency. The energy transition requires continued and sustained effort. We need policies that incentivize investment in renewables, simplify permitting processes for new projects, and promote innovation in energy storage technologies to overcome the intermittency of solar and wind.
The future of our planet depends on our ability to abandon fossil fuels and embrace a clean energy future. The fact that solar and wind have surpassed coal in the United States is a crucial step in the right direction. Let's hope this is the first of many milestones on the path to a sustainable and prosperous energy future for all.
Time, as always, will tell. And let's hope that the economic evidence, along with citizen pressure, will be enough to counter the shortsightedness of energy policies like those promoted by Mr. Trump and his followers.
Hopefully, time will prove me right, but I'm not so sure it will be in the short term. The fanaticism of Mr. Trump and his followers could do a lot of harm to the United States and the world.
EN 
ES