Solar Surge and Hydropower Rise Accelerate Coal Retirement on U.S. Electric Grid

Soaring solar energy generation and a boost in hydroelectric power are accelerating the decline of coal use on the U.S. electric grid. As declining costs and increased investments have expanded the reach of renewable energy, utilities are drawing less from coal plants, which are increasingly being retired or operated at reduced capacity. In several regions, record-high contribution from solar and hydro sources is pushing coal even further out of the energy mix, helping to reduce overall power sector emissions.

These shifts are having tangible impacts on emissions and grid reliability. The growing share of solar—supplemented by a surge in hydro output after years of drought—has enabled more grid operators to meet peak demands without relying as heavily on fossil fuels. This trend is expected to continue as more renewable projects come online, marking a significant move towards cleaner and more sustainable electricity in the U.S.

Read the original Arizona solar power article.