Following 35% growth, solar has passed hydro on US grid
4 hours ago
- #energy
- #electricity demand
- #solar power
- US electricity demand rose by 2.8% in 2025, totaling 121 terawatt-hours.
- Solar power grew by 35%, surpassing hydroelectric power for the first time.
- Increased demand was partially met by coal, despite solar's significant growth.
- Factors like heat pumps, electrification of transport, and data centers may drive future demand.
- Utility-scale solar covered about two-thirds of the demand increase, with wind contributing more.
- No new nuclear plants meant fossil fuels filled the remaining demand gap.