US breaks record in new renewable capacity

The US installed a record 3.8GW of clean energy in first quarter of 2021, according to a new report

Monday 17 May 2021

Image: Shutterstock

The US has installed a record-breaking 3.8GW of clean energy capacity in the first quarter of 2021.

A new report by the American Clean Power Association suggests the first quarter saw a 10% increase compared to the same period last year.

This growth made it the highest quarter on record, the study claims.

Project developers commissioned 38 new projects across 17 states in the first months of the year.

The analysis stresses Texas took the lead with 791MW installed, followed by Oklahoma and California with 555MW and 519MW respectively.

Data suggests the US installed an estimated 1,1GW of new solar in the first quarter, bringing total operating solar capacity to 45,8GW

In addition, the wind industry installed 2,5GW of new capacity, the highest first quarter on record, according to the report.

That translates to 40% more wind compared to the same period last year.

Cumulative storage capacity also soared by 6% with the installation of 101MW of new capacity.

Make sure you check out the latest Net Hero Podcast episode:

Net zero is a way to cut your costs and help the planet, so what’s stopping you? Often, it’s just the right help and advice. That’s what we will provide at the Big Zero Show this July. Workshops, expert speakers, case studies and exhibitions. Plus, networking with 1500 peers and potential customers. Register for free now.