Lewis, M. (May 25, 2023). US wind and solar combined produced more electricity than coal in
Q1 2023. Electrek. Retrieved July 29, 2023 from, https://electrek.co/2023/05/25/us-wind-solar-q1-2023/
In 2023’s first quarter, the US produced more electricity from wind and solar than coal production. Data suggests that electrical generation by solar has grown by 7.8% since 2022. In addition, it’s stated that together, wind and solar provided 16.9% of the US’s electrical output in Q1 2023. This means electrical generation by coal decreased by 28.6% and implemented 15.6% of total US electrical generation during the quarter, making wind and solar energy top of the table.
This article explained the data received from this year’s electricity usage regarding wind and solar energy. It gave us the information, comparing it to coal production in order to understand just how much wind and solar energy has grown in the US. This relates to Environmental Science because renewable energy affects the environment and its health by reducing greenhouse emissions which could benefit us in the future. Regarding the stats given in the article, I believe wind and solar energy are starting to be used more often than not, with higher production rates than other forms of energy. This might mean a healthier future is closer than initially thought.
This data is a big deal because we are getting less reliant on fossil fuels for electricity generation and more reliant on renewable sources. Still it is only 15-16% of electricity, but perhaps someday it will be the majority.
This is a big milestone in renewable energy for the U.S. While this is really impressive, what do you think will happen to the coal from mines throughout the U.S.? I have a feeling we wont just throw it away just because renewables provided that much electricity. Also When do you think the numbers will officially overtake that of coal power?