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A new report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that renewable energy is set to account for all net new electricity generation capacity added in the United States over the next year.

Data from the agency’s latest Electric Power Monthly report, reviewed by the SUN DAY Campaign, shows that renewables supplied 25.1% of total U.S. electricity generation in January 2026, marking an 11.5% increase year-over-year. Renewable sources also represent 36.6% of total installed generating capacity when including small-scale solar.

Growth was led by solar energy, with utility-scale solar generation rising 16.4% and small-scale solar increasing 12.1% compared to January 2025. Combined solar output grew by 15.3%. Hydropower generation saw a notable 30.2% increase, while wind and geothermal energy rose by 1.9% and 2.0%, respectively.

In contrast, electricity generation from fossil fuels declined, with coal down 12.8% and natural gas falling 3.4% year-over-year.

Looking ahead, the EIA projects the addition of 41.5 GW of utility-scale solar capacity and 22.7 GW of battery storage over the next 12 months. Planned wind additions, including both onshore and offshore, are also expected to increase significantly.

The agency forecasts no growth in nuclear capacity and a net decline in fossil fuel capacity, reinforcing expectations that renewables and energy storage will dominate new capacity additions through 2026.

Source: solarpowerworldonline.com