An analysis released by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) on August 13, 2024, found that wind-generated electricity established a new record in the US in April. [1] Wind generation exceeded coal-fired generation in both March and April. This was the first time that wind generation exceeded coal-fired generation for two months in a row. Usually wind power produces the most electricity during springtime. In March 2024, wind installations produced 45.9 GWh of electricity, while coal-fired plants produced 38.4 GWh. In April, coal-fired generation fell to 37.2 GWh, while wind increased to a record high of 47.7 GWh. For context, 20 years ago, coal-fired generation produced 154.3 GWh of electricity, while wind produced 1.3 GWh. Over the last 25 years, wind power generating capacity has grown significantly, from 2.4 GW in 2000 to 150.1 GW in April 2024. In contrast, a substantial number of coal plants have retired over the same period, with total capacity falling from 315.1 GW in 2000 to 177.1 GW in April 2024.
Other sources of electricity generation have also increased since then; since 2000, solar power generation increased by 99.1 GWh, and natural gas increased by 287.6 GWh. After the record wind capacity additions in 2021 and 2022, new wind facilities have declined in the last two years. 7.1 GW of wind capacity is expected to come online in 2024.