Renewable energy sources supplied more power to the United States than natural gas last month, marking a historic milestone in the nation's energy transition.
Data from the think tank Ember shows that renewables, including solar, wind, hydropower, and bioenergy, were the largest source of U.S. electricity in March. Combined with nuclear power, these sources provided more than half of the country's total electricity.
Fossil fuel generation hit its lowest level for any March in at least 25 years. This shift follows a seasonal drop in power demand as mild spring weather reduced the need for heating and cooling.
Rising demand delays coal retirement
Despite the record for renewables, surging electricity demand is complicating the phase-out of fossil fuels. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) predicts that solar, wind, and batteries will comprise 93 percent of new power capacity added to the grid this year.
However, the rapid growth of data centers is creating new pressure on the grid. Tech companies are increasingly installing natural gas generators at new facilities to manage the load.
Grid operators are also delaying the decommissioning of aging coal-fired plants. Nine coal plants scheduled for retirement last year remain in operation, with five staying online following emergency orders from the Department of Energy.
EIA data shows only four coal power plants retired generators last year. This represents the lowest amount of retired coal capacity in 15 years.
