US Renewables to Surpass Natural Gas by Summer 2027

The United States is on track to generate more electricity from renewable sources than natural gas by summer 2027, marking a turning point in the nation's energy history.

New data from the US Energy Information Administration shows renewables and battery storage will add nearly 83 gigawatts of new capacity by June 2027. During that same period, fossil fuel and nuclear power will actually shrink by 3.1 gigawatts.

The numbers tell a stunning story of transformation. Between July 2025 and June 2026, renewable energy capacity jumped by almost 45,000 megawatts. Solar panels on homes and businesses added 6,492 megawatts, while utility-scale solar farms contributed another 28,077 megawatts.

Wind power continues its steady climb too. New wind installations added 10,553 megawatts last year, including 800 megawatts from offshore wind turbines spinning in coastal waters.

In just the first half of 2026, renewable electricity generation grew 11% compared to the year before. Solar led the charge with a 22% increase in utility-scale generation, while small rooftop systems grew 13% and wind expanded by 6.5%.

Here's what that means for your daily life: in June 2026, solar alone generated more electricity than wind and hydropower combined. Wind and solar together now produce 58% more power than all US coal plants and 28% more than nuclear reactors.

The Ripple Effect

Ten years ago, renewables provided less than 17% of America's electricity. Today that figure stands at 30.2% and climbing. Solar capacity has grown ninefold since 2016, while wind has more than doubled.

Battery storage is experiencing even more dramatic growth. Five years ago, grid-scale batteries barely registered on national charts. Today they store enough power to light up millions of homes, with capacity increasing twentyfold in just five years.

The momentum shows no signs of slowing. Over the next 12 months, utility-scale solar will add 43,649 megawatts of new capacity, while wind farms will contribute another 10,217 megawatts including major offshore wind projects.

Battery storage will grow by 44% in the coming year, adding 22,788 megawatts of capacity to help balance the grid when the sun sets and wind calms.

When renewable energy overtakes natural gas next summer, it will cement America's position in the global clean energy transition while creating jobs and improving air quality in communities nationwide.