Fossil Fuels Drop Below 50% in U.S. Electricity Generation for First Time

In a historic shift for the U.S. energy landscape, fossil fuels have fallen below the crucial 50% mark in electricity generation for the first time, according to recent data from global energy think tank Ember.

In March 2025, fossil fuels accounted for just 49.2% of the electricity generated, a significant decline from 65% in March 2015, underscoring the accelerated transition to clean energy sources.

For the month, renewable energies, specifically solar and wind, dominated the generation mix, producing an unprecedented 50.8% of the electricity supply.

Fossil fuels have fallen below the crucial 50% mark in electricity generation for the first time

This landmark achievement was largely driven by a remarkable 37% increase in solar power generation and a 12% uptick in wind energy compared to March 2024. Together, these sources generated 83 terawatt-hours of electricity, surpassing the previous record of 75 terawatt-hours set in April 2024.

Nicolas Fulghum, a senior analyst at Ember, noted, “This clearly demonstrates the growing role of wind and solar in the US energy system”. His comments highlight the ongoing decline of coal and gas as the landscape shifts towards more sustainable options. In fact, the combination of wind and solar energy surpassed coal in 2024, marking a significant turning point in the energy mix.

Looking ahead, solar power is projected to represent over half of the new generating capacity added in the U.S. throughout 2025. Texas is anticipated to lead this expansion as it embraces solar technologies at an unprecedented rate. From just 1% of the electricity mix in March 2015, solar energy has surged to 9.2% by March 2025, reflecting a decade of transformative growth.

This pivotal moment raises questions about the future of fossil fuels in the U.S. energy sector, as the predominance of clean energy takes root and reshapes electricity generation for years to come.