The United States is making significant strides towards reducing its reliance on fossil fuels, according to a new report. Last year, renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power met nearly a quarter of the country’s power needs. Electric vehicle (EV) sales also hit record highs, while greenhouse gas emissions dropped to historic lows, mirroring the dramatic decline seen during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

These findings come from the Sustainable Energy in America Factbook 2024, which highlights the progress of the U.S. clean energy transition. Lisa Jacobson, president of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy, stated that clean energy is now firmly embedded in the U.S. economy.

When you include nuclear power, the share of zero-carbon energy produced in the U.S. reached an all-time high of 41% in 2023. This is a significant jump from 31% just ten years ago, showcasing a strong shift towards greener energy.

“Wind and solar power are now generating enough electricity for over 60 million American homes,” said John Hensley, vice president of markets and policy analysis for the American Clean Power Association.

A Mixed Bag of Progress

While these developments are promising, experts like Rob Jackson, a professor of energy and the environment at Stanford University, warn that it’s not enough. He pointed out that natural gas, a fossil fuel, is still the fastest-growing energy source in the U.S. “Replacing coal with natural gas is better than nothing, but it’s not a long-term solution to climate change,” Jackson said.

Record-Breaking Additions to the Grid

Despite challenges, the U.S. added a record 42 gigawatts of new renewable energy capacity to its grid in 2023. This achievement comes even as some counties ban or block new renewable energy projects. As of December, 15% of U.S. counties had imposed such restrictions, according to a USA TODAY investigation.

One gigawatt of power is enough to supply about 750,000 homes. Anand Gopal, executive director of policy research at Energy Innovation and Technology, noted, “The American public doesn’t realize how rapidly we are transforming the U.S. energy system. It’s unprecedented.”

Solar Power Shines, Wind Energy Slows

Solar power saw a massive increase in 2023, with 32 gigawatts of new capacity added. However, the report also noted a concerning trend: new wind energy projects hit their lowest levels since 2015.

While the U.S. has made remarkable progress in green energy and reducing emissions, there is still a long way to go. Continued investment and innovation are essential to fully transition to a sustainable energy future.

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