Solar surpasses coal in U.S. electricity generation for first time in May
In May, U.S. solar electricity generation surpassed coal for the first time, with solar producing 12.8% of the country's electricity versus coal's 12.2%, according to energy policy group Ember. This milestone coincides with the Trump administration's renewed push to revive coal generation, including a $500 million Department of Energy award to 13 coal plants nationwide to keep them operational longer. While coal remains dominant in Kentucky, natural gas overtook coal nationally a decade ago, and renewables have surpassed coal in recent years.
Key quotes
Solar generated 12.8% of the country's electricity last month, while coal declined to 12.2%.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Energy awarded $500 million to 13 coal plants nationwide to keep them on the grid longer.
For now, coal is still the dominant fuel for electricity in Kentucky.
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