Electricity generated from utility-scale renewable power plants is expected to grow by 9% in the US this year.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts much of the growth to come from new installations of wind and solar plants and an increase in hydropower production “after a relatively dry 2015”.

It adds utility-scale renewable sources could account for 14% of the total electricity generated in the US, with wind and solar contributing 5.2% and 0.8%.

The EIA’s latest Short Term Energy Outlook states: “Changes in electricity generation from other renewable fuels in 2016 are expected to be flat (in the case of biomass) or relatively modest (4% increase in geothermal).

“Electricity generation from hydropower facilities is expected to increase 5% in 2016 based on expectations of high precipitation during El Niño, with water levels recovering from the relatively dry years in recent history.”

Last month a study revealed the US could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power production by up to 78% by 2030 by improving transmission infrastructures to accommodate wind and solar.

Offshore wind investments in Europe doubled to a record €13.3 billion (£10bn) last year.