Last month, the United States experienced a historic shift in its energy environment. New data from the global energy think tank Ember revealed that fossil fuels generated less than 50% of US Power for the first month. In March 2025, fossil fuels generated less than 50% of US Power for the first month, the first time this metric fell below 50% in recorded history. This milestone exceeds the previous low of 51% set in April 2024, indicating a considerable shift toward greener energy sources. This shift was driven by a significant increase in wind and solar power, which accounted for an unprecedented 24.4% of the country’s electricity generation. For the first time, clean energy sources accounted for more than half (50.8%) of the US electrical supply, indicating a watershed point in the country’s quest for sustainability.

The Growth of Renewable Energy

Significant increases in renewable energy generation drove the record-breaking performance in March 2025. Solar power increased by an incredible 37% (+8.3 terawatt-hours) from March 2024, while wind power increased by 12% (+5.7 terawatt-hours). Wind and solar combined created 83 terawatt-hours of electricity, up 11% over the previous peak of 75 terawatt-hours established in April 2024. This spike contrasts dramatically with a 2.5% decrease (-4.3 terawatt-hours) in fossil fuel generation during the same time period. The move reflects a decade-long decline in fossil fuel usage, which fell from 65% of US electricity in March 2015 to 49.2% today. Meanwhile, wind and solar generation have increased dramatically, from a modest 5.7% 10 years ago to 24.4% today—a more than fourfold increase.

Solar energy, in particular, has emerged as a renewables powerhouse. According to projections, it will account for more than half of all new generating capacity added in the United States by 2025, with Texas leading the way with more than a third of new solar panels. This quick expansion is a significant shift from a decade earlier, when solar accounted for only 1% of the electricity mix in March 2015. By March 2025, its contribution had risen to 9.2%, demonstrating its expanding dominance. Wind power has also played an important role, with offshore and onshore installations helping fuel the country’s renewable energy boom.

Also Read: Nearly 2,000 Ships Linked To Illegal Amazon Timber Reached Europe And US, NGO Investigation Reveals

A Decade of Transformation and Future Prospects

The March 2025 milestone represents the culmination of a long-term transition in the US power sector. According to Ember’s special report, US Electricity 2025, published last month, solar was the fastest-growing and most significant source of new electricity in 2024. Wind and solar together made for 17% of the US electricity mix last year, exceeding coal’s 15% share for the first time. This transition not only underlines coal’s waning relevance but also paves the way for a future in which renewables may dominate the energy landscape.

The expansion of offshore wind projects, in particular, promises to expedite this transformation. With massive coasts that provide excellent conditions, the United States is boosting investment in these programs to supplement inland wind and solar farms. As technology advances and costs fall, the impetus for renewable energy will likely persist, pushing fossil fuels to an even smaller percentage in the coming years. This historic event in March 2025 serves as both a celebration of progress and a call to action, promoting additional investment and innovation to ensure the United States’ sustainable energy future.

Also Read: EU Parliament Approved To Delay Sustainability Reporting Including CSRD And CSDDD