US Power Shift: Renewables Overtake Fossil Fuels for the First Time
Washington D.C., Friday, 4 April 2025.
In March 2025, fossil fuels dropped below 50% of the US energy mix, with wind and solar surging. This marks a pivotal moment in energy transition, signalling the decline of fossil reliance.
Historic Milestone
I’m witnessing a watershed moment in American energy history. March 2025 saw fossil fuels plummet to just 49.2% of US electricity generation, marking the first time they’ve fallen below the 50% threshold [1]. This represents a dramatic shift from just a decade ago when fossil fuels dominated 65% of the power mix in March 2015 [1].
Solar and Wind Surge
The numbers tell an extraordinary story of renewable growth. Solar generation surged by 37% compared to last March, while wind power increased by 12% [1]. Together, these clean energy sources shattered previous records, generating an impressive 83 terawatt-hours of electricity - beating the previous record of 75 TWh set just last year [1]. Clean energy’s dominance is clear in new installations too, with renewable sources accounting for 93% of all new power capacity added in 2024 [2].
Economic Impact and Future Outlook
I’m particularly excited about the economic implications of this transition. Federal energy tax credits are projected to grow the U.S. economy by $1.9 trillion over the next decade [2]. The transformation is creating jobs too - 149,000 new clean energy positions were added in 2023 alone [6]. As Senior Analyst Nicolas Fulghum at Ember notes, ‘This is a first signal that the US is approaching a tipping point where clean power takes the lead over fossil generation’ [1].
Texas Leads the Charge
Looking ahead, solar power is positioned to dominate new generating capacity in 2025, with Texas at the forefront, set to receive more than a third of all new solar installations [1]. This transition isn’t just about numbers - it’s about securing America’s energy future. As SELC Senior Attorney Megan Gibson emphasizes, ‘We have before us a clear choice and a remarkable opportunity’ to embrace clean energy and modernize our grid [6].