Renewable energy has been taking over coal around the world. Just recently, the UK struck a record month-long streak of clean energy over fossil fuels. Now, its America that hits the headlines with renewable energy generation overtaking coal power for forty days straight for the first time in history.
According to a report by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), the first time the nation’s renewable power superseded fossil fuels was in April 2019. American Renewable Energy tweeted:
It’s official! Renewables generated more electricity than coal in April 2019 for the first time ever. The EIA confirmed that 23% of US electricity came from renewables compared to 20% by coal, with wind power leading the way.
It’s official! #Renewables generated more electricity than coal in April for the first time ever. @EIAgov confirmed that 23% of US electricity came from renewables compared to 20% by coal, with #windpower leading the way https://t.co/FCP5w3DSUo #RenewablesRising
— American Council on Renewable Energy (@ACORE) June 27, 2019
The EIA said that only happened because less energy is used in spring, and April is the peak month for hydroelectricity. Nevertheless, coal power is in significant decline since it peaked a decade ago. Several coal companies have even had to file for bankruptcy.
Now, with lockdowns and stay-at-home orders in effect causing an economic slowdown, renewable energy is getting an even more significant boost. Wind, solar, and hydropower have overtaken coal-fired power yet again – and this time for the longest continuous stretch (from March 25 to May 3) spanning more than an entire month. Last year’s record in April was only nine consecutive days. The whole year of 2019 only achieved 38 days of renewables overtaking coal – to put into perspective how exciting this new milestone is!
The coronavirus pandemic caused a drop in energy demand. When demand is down, utilities choose the most expensive fuel to be cut first – which is now coal. Renewables are cheaper because they cost less to operate and are often backed by clean-energy regulations.
In 2008, the coal-fired generation held over half of the market share. This April, the figure dropped to only 15.3%. IEEFA says it’s the first time in decades (and possibly the entire history of American power industry) that coal’s market share fell below 20%. With wind and solar becoming increasingly affordable and efficient in recent years, the figure will likely continue to drop regardless of Trump’s persistence to revive the coal industry.
According to EIA, renewables are expected to grow 11% this year due to their low operating costs.
