The U.S. Power Info Administration (EIA) has launched the primary information of 2026 on electrical technology within the nation, and renewables are out-performing, once more.
Renewable power sources supplied over one-quarter of U.S. electrical technology in January 2026 — 11% greater than a yr in the past — and accounted for over 36% of put in producing capability. The SUN DAY Marketing campaign reviewed information from EIA’s newest “Electric Power Monthly” report.
Picture by Werner Slocum/NREL
Electrical technology by utility-scale photo voltaic expanded by 16.4% whereas that from “estimated” small-scale/rooftop photo voltaic PV methods rose by 12.1% in January in comparison with the identical month in 2025. The mixture of utility-scale and small-scale photo voltaic elevated by 15.3% whereas wind-generated electrical energy grew by 1.9% and geothermal energy output was up by 2.0%. Considerably, electrical energy from the nation’s hydropower dams additionally rose by 30.2%.
Collectively, electrical technology by renewable power sources (together with biomass) in January was 11.5% greater than a yr earlier and supplied 25.1% of the nation’s whole. In the meantime, the facility supplied in January by U.S. coal and pure gasoline crops was decrease by 12.8% and three.4% respectively than a yr in the past.
By the top of January 2026, renewables account for 33.5% of the nation’s utility-scale capability (not together with storage). Including estimated small-scale photo voltaic capability, renewables’ share of whole producing capability was 36.6%.
EIA foresees continued sturdy photo voltaic development, with 41.5 GW of utility-scale photo voltaic capability being added by the top of January 2027. EIA additionally notes that deliberate battery capability additions over the subsequent 12 months whole 22.7 GW — a rise of 43.9%.
Deliberate wind capability additions within the coming yr: 9,840.7 MW (onshore) plus 4,155.0 MW (offshore) would greater than double these of the previous yr. Ought to EIA’s forecasts come to fruition, new capability additions by photo voltaic, wind and batteries throughout the second yr of the Trump Administration could be 60% greater than these in its first yr.
In the meantime, forecasted development for fossil fuels and nuclear energy is even bleaker than that skilled final yr. Zero development is presently projected for nuclear energy whereas web fossil gasoline capability is anticipated to fall by 4,261.3 MW.
Thus, throughout the coming 12 months, renewables and battery storage will account for all web new utility-scale capability additions.
“EIA’s information present that the Trump Administration completely did not cease the nation’s transition to photo voltaic, wind, and battery storage throughout its first yr in workplace,” famous the SUN DAY Marketing campaign’s government director Ken Bossong. “The second yr of the Trump Administration is projected to be much more lop-sided in favor clear power.”
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