Image courtesy of Thomas Richter on Unsplash
For years, AGREEN1 has covered the growth and opportunities in renewable energy sector. In 2024, two clean energy sources, wind and solar generated more electricity than dirty coal. According to Ember, solar and wind contributed 17% of the US energy, while coal contributed 15%.
“We’re in a new paradigm,” said Dave Jones, chief analyst at Ember. “Solar did more to meet the rising demand for electricity last year than natural gas. And that’s at odds with the current narrative and expectations going forward, where so much of the discussion has switched towards building more gas plants.”
The US Energy Information Administration reports that solar energy was the fastest growing energy source at a 27% increase from 2023. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) stated that solar and energy storage capacity is to credit for 84% of all new electricity-generating capacity added to the grid last year.
In fact, 24 states (almost half the US states) utilize more renewable energy from solar and wind than energy from coal. Great leadership, investment, and bold execution from the last 4 years has brought reliable renewable energy to fruition. While California and Nevada exceeded 30% of solar energy for the first time in 2024, Texas installed the most solar and battery capacity of all US states.
And yet, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright spoke at an energy conference in Houston recently and revealed that he is pushing for new gas pipelines in places like Alaska and New England, and approving permits to ship natural gas overseas. “Drill, baby, drill also requires build, baby, build,” he said. Certainly no lack of stupidity in the new administration.
