Wind and Solar Hit 17% of U.S. Power 2025
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- Wind power generated 464,000 GWh in 2025, a 3% increase over 2024.
- Utility‑scale solar produced 296,000 GWh in 2025, up 34% from 2024.
- Small‑scale solar contributed 93,000 GWh in 2025, an 11% rise over 2024.
- Wind and solar combined supplied 760,000 GWh in 2025, representing 17% of U.S. net electricity generation, up from under 1% in 2005.
- Combined wind and solar share (including small‑scale) reached 19% of total net generation in 2025.
- Dispatchable sources (natural gas, coal, nuclear) accounted for 75% of U.S. utility‑scale electricity generation in 2025.
Why it matters: The jump to 17% (19% when small‑scale solar is included) marks a rapid expansion of renewables, while dispatchable sources still provide three‑quarters of generation, meaning the electricity mix is diversifying but fossil‑based generation remains dominant for policymakers seeking emissions cuts.
