From January through July of this year, wind and solar in the U.S. generated more net electricity than power from coal, according to recent data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

According to the EIA’s Monthly Energy Review for July 2024, electricity net generation from renewable energy outpaced coal for the first seven months of the year so far, a first for the U.S.

Further, wind energy generation alone beat coal energy generation in two consecutive months: March and April. As CleanTechnica reported, wind energy installations produced 45.9 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in March and a record high 47.7 GWh in April, compared to the 38.4 GWh in March and 37.2 GWh in April generated by coal-fired power plants.

  • grue@lemmy.world
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    3 months ago

    A lot of that is because of production shifting from coal to natural gas, though. It’ll be news when solar + wind production exceeds all fossil fuel production put together.

    • marine_mustang@sh.itjust.works
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      3 months ago

      This is that year for California. Except for January, renewables produced more than fossil fuels. We’ll probably end with renewables producing more than fossil fuels for the whole year.

  • Heretical_i@kafeneio.social
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    3 months ago

    Dont forget to truecost the coal and other petroproducts needed to power the factories that make these high tech lifestyle savers. The alloys and composite materials needed REALLY SUX IT you know @SteveKLord ?

    Ps. We’re never shown all the DIESEL TRUCK TRAFFIC and other vehicles all over new roadways in RURAL environments required to maintain this high tech trash… Almost none of it recyclable.

    • jonesy@aussie.zone
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      3 months ago

      Ok? But don’t coal and gas plants need DIESEL TRUCK TRAFFIC (and diesel trains) constantly throughout their life to bring more fuel vs renewables just placed in suitable locations they obtain necessary sun/wind to operate?