U.S. renewable energy hits record high as solar and wind surge in 2026

The continental U.S. saw a major boost in renewable energy during the first half of 2026. New solar, wind, and battery storage projects pushed clean power to record levels. Electricity demand also climbed, with some regions experiencing sharp increases. Between October 2025 and March 2026, the U.S. added nearly 28 GW of new electric generation capacity. Solar led the way with 13.2 GW, followed by 7.8 GW of battery energy storage systems (BESS) and 4 GW of wind. Fossil gas, oil, and other sources contributed just 3.4 GW.

Renewables now make up 24% of total installed capacity, an all-time high. However, their actual output was lower—solar and wind generated 18% of electricity due to intermittency. Texas saw the biggest growth, adding over 6.8 GW of new capacity. The state also led demand increases, with ERCOT reporting a 9% rise in usage compared to the previous year. California, Arizona, Florida, Illinois, and Oklahoma rounded out the top six states for new installations. Nationwide, electricity demand grew by 2% over the same period in 2025. ERCOT’s peak demand is projected to jump from 90 GW to 148 GW by 2030, reflecting rapid population and industrial expansion.

The surge in solar, wind, and battery storage marks a shift in the U.S. energy mix. While renewables now account for nearly a quarter of installed capacity, their variable output means fossil fuels still play a role. With demand rising, particularly in Texas, the grid will need further upgrades to handle future growth.