Renewables to Hit 40% of US Generating Capacity, Surpass Gas Within a Year: EIA

Renewable energy sources are projected to reach 40.4% of total US generating capacity within the next year, up from 37.7% today, according to new data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). This milestone will push renewables past natural gas, which currently holds a slightly smaller share, and will be five times larger than nuclear capacity. The shift underscores the rapid expansion of solar, wind, and other clean energy technologies across the country. The EIA's latest figures, reviewed by the SUN DAY Campaign, highlight how utility-scale projects and distributed generation are reshaping the nation's power mix. For energy markets, this transition signals lower carbon emissions and greater grid diversity, but also raises questions about reliability and storage. As renewables overtake gas, the next 12 months will be pivotal for infrastructure investment and policy decisions that could accelerate or slow this momentum.