For the first time, wind energy overtook hydroelectric power as the leading source of renewable energy in the U.S.
According to reports filed by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), wind generation accounted for just over 300 million megawatt-hours (MWh) in 2019, which was around 26 million more MWh’s than hydroelectric production.
The U.S.’s total renewable electricity generation grew slightly, reaching 720 million MWh in 2019, a mere 13 million MWh’s more than the 707 MWh produced in 2018. This is the combined total renewable energy generation which includes solar, wind, geothermal and hydroelectric. The EIA’s finding’s, titled “Today in Energy”, also show at the end of 2019 the U.S. had 103 Gigawatts (GW) of wind capacity.
Tom Kieran, CEO of the American Wind Energy Association, commented: “The past decade saw a steady increase in wind capacity across the country and we capped the decade with a monumental achievement for the industry in reaching more than 100 GW.”
Despite the news of wind overtaking hydroelectric, U.S. spending and savings toward energy efficiency declined. The report dated Feb 27, 2020, does not report 2019 numbers but shows a 2-year decline in 2017 and 2018.
The U.S. still uses fossil fuels like natural gas, petroleum, and coal for 80% of its total energy consumption. The report shows the U.S. set a new record in natural gas consumption in 2019, increasing by 3%, and reaching numbers of 85.0 billion cubic feet per day. Increased natural gas consumption has been largely driven by the increased consumption of electrical power. U.S. natural gas consumption has increased by more than 37% since 2005!
U.S. crude oil production grew by 11%, surpassing 12 million barrels a day in 2019. That is 1.24 million more barrels per day than in 2018. In November of 2019, the U.S. produced 12.86 million b/d, which is the most in U.S. history. The EIA points out that U.S. crude oil production has increased significantly over the past 10 years.
Electrical generation from coal dropped slightly in 2019 but was still more than 966 million MWh, or 246 million MWh more than the total renewable electricity generation.
Aside from the increased use and extraction of fossil fuels by the U.S., wind power overtaking hydroelectric may also have something to do with a decrease in water levels. The Colorado River is feeling the effects of climate change and global warming. The decrease in water levels has many of the hydroelectric plants operating well below their capacity.
In other words, while it’s good to see the U.S. wind power generation has increased, they still have a long way to go, and much room for improvement in their overall renewable energy capacity. When 80% of electrical generation comes from fossil fuels and carbon emissions continue to increase yearly, having wind overtake hydroelectric power is hardly anything to celebrate, especially during a time when we are facing global water shortages and a climate crisis. It’s estimated by 2025 up to two-thirds of the world’s population will be feeling the effects of water scarcity. Which I would think would further impede hydroelectric power.
Even though the U.S. has one of the largest capacities for wind power, its usage is far from stellar. Denmark recently just set a record by sourcing 47% of its power generation solely from wind power. 47% wind while the U.S. sits at just 20% mixed renewable generation! Yes, there is much room for improvement. Hopefully, that will be much more than just a 17 million MWh increase in 2020.
