Clean Power Makes Unprecedented Gains in US Markets

The unsubsidized cost of energy for wind power has fallen 71% since 2009, and solar has fallen 90% since 2009.

The American Clean Power Association recently released its first Clean Power Annual Report, which showed wind, utility solar, and battery storage power capacity in the US topped 170 gigawatts (GW), following a record 26 GW of clean energy projects coming online in 2020.

“The Clean Power Annual is a testament to the record growth and investment across the renewable energy industry in the United States today. The energy transition is well underway as we aim to meet important climate targets and create good-paying American jobs,” said Heather Zichal, CEO of the American Clean Power Association. “The clean power industry is helping to rebuild the US economy while combating the climate crisis. We hope this report can be a tool and resource as our industry drives innovation and job creating investments in every American state.”

The rapid pace of new clean power installations included 16,836 MW of land-based wind, representing 50 percent of new additions; 8,894 MW of utility-scale solar projects, capturing 26 percent of the market; and 760 MW of battery storage capacity. Combined wind, solar, and battery storage power represent 78 percent of new power installations in 2020.

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