New data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration indicates that renewable energy sources achieved significant growth during the opening months of 2026. Electrical generation from renewables exceeded 30% of total U.S. output during the first five months, representing a 10.1% increase compared to the same period in the previous year.
Utility-scale solar led the expansion with a 21.6% increase in generation, followed by small-scale solar at 12.8%, hydropower at 10.8%, and wind at 4.8%. In contrast, nuclear power generation grew by just 1.3%, and natural gas increased 2.5%, while coal production declined 10.9%. Wind and solar combined accounted for over 22% of domestic electrical generation, producing 57% more electricity than coal plants and 26% more than nuclear reactors. During May alone, solar generation exceeded both coal and wind output.
Capacity additions further demonstrate the sector’s acceleration. Between June 2025 and May 31, 2026, renewable energy capacity expanded by approximately 44,700 megawatts, with utility-scale solar adding nearly 28,000 megawatts and utility-scale battery storage increasing by 16,551 megawatts. The overall share of renewables in utility-scale generating capacity reached 34.1% as of May 31, 2026.
Projections through May 31, 2027 indicate continued expansion. The EIA forecasts renewable sources will add about 54 gigawatts of utility-scale capacity, with utility-scale solar alone contributing nearly 44,000 megawatts. Battery storage capacity is expected to increase nearly 48%, adding over 23,000 megawatts. When including small-scale solar, total clean energy capacity additions could approach 83 gigawatts. These figures contrast sharply with projections for fossil fuels, which are anticipated to decline by approximately 4,700 megawatts, while nuclear capacity is expected to remain flat. At current trajectories, renewable capacity may surpass natural gas capacity by spring 2027.
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