Clean energy sources produced more electricity than fossil fuels in the U.S. for the first time on record in March 2026, driven by strong wind and solar output and supported by growing battery deployment.
Clean Power Surpassed Fossil Fuels in the U.S. for the First Time
Clean energy generated more electricity than fossil fuels in the U.S. for the first time on record.
In March 2026, utilities produced 182.6 TWh from clean sources compared to 166 TWh from fossil fuels, according to Ember. That put clean power at 52% of total utility-scale generation for the month.
Clean power here includes wind, solar, hydro, and nuclear.
A Strong Start to the Year
From January through March, the trend continued to build.
- ●Clean generation reached 512.3 TWh, passing 500 TWh for the first time
- ●Fossil fuel generation totaled 582 TWh
- ●Clean power share rose to 47%, up from 44% in 2025
- ●Clean output increased 6.5% year over year
- ●Fossil generation declined by 5% year over year
The gap is narrowing, and the direction is clear.
Wind and Solar Are Driving Growth
Wind and solar accounted for most of the increase. Both reached record output in March, pushing clean generation ahead of fossil fuels for the month.
Solar alone reached about 11% of total generation. Its output typically peaks in summer, so its share is expected to increase further in the coming months. Battery storage is also expanding, helping shift solar energy into evening demand.
Wind output tends to peak in spring and ease into summer, but larger fleets and improved turbine technology are helping maintain higher overall production.
Nuclear Is Playing a Role
Nuclear energy continues to contribute steady output.
- ●Nuclear has exceeded coal generation for eight consecutive months
- ●Q1 nuclear output reached 194 TWh
- ●Q1 coal generation fell to 169 TWh, down from 196 TWh in 2025
This shift is contributing to lower emissions.
Emissions Are Declining
Coal-related emissions in Q1 were about 177 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent. That is well below the recent three-year average of around 219 million metric tons.
Lower coal generation is a key factor behind this decline.
What This Signals
This milestone is happening even as federal policy support for renewables has softened and support for fossil fuels has strengthened.
Despite that, clean power continues to grow. Renewable energy paired with battery storage can be deployed relatively quickly and often at lower cost than new gas generation.
What Comes Next
The shift in the U.S. power mix is already underway.
Utilities are adding more clean generation while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. As capacity expands and storage improves, clean power is likely to continue gaining share.
The key question is not whether clean energy will grow. It is how fast it will reshape the system.
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