America's power supply flipped as renewables overtook gas in March

Ember's monthly data shows renewable sources produced 35% of U.S. electricity in March, surpassing gas at 34% and marking the cleanest month on record; wind and solar together provided 26% of power.

Renewable sources produced more than one-third of U.S. electricity in March, according to monthly data from the energy think tank Ember. The report shows clean energy at 35% of supply while gas accounted for 34%, and wind and solar contributed 26% combined. Ember's records begin in 2016, and March is the first month on record when renewables supplied a larger share than gas. Experts and the reporting note that seasonal patterns and long lead times for projects help explain the change. Key details: - Ember reports renewables at 35% and gas at 34% for March, with wind and solar making up 26% of generation. - This is the first month since Ember began keeping monthly records in 2016 that renewables have outpaced gas. - Catherine Holfram, formerly at the U.S. Treasury and now an MIT energy economics professor, said most recent renewable growth reflects decisions made years earlier and that building projects involves long planning and permitting timelines. - Seasonal factors matter: March typically has lower electricity demand and higher renewable output, and Brian Murray of Duke University noted spring is a high point for wind and solar utilization. - The article also reports recent federal actions aimed at expanding fossil fuel activity, including a declared national energy emergency and the revocation of a scientific finding on climate endangerment, and notes some project cancellations; observers say the March shift reflects earlier market and investment trends rather than recent policy changes. Summary: The March data is a notable milestone that highlights how seasonal cycles and long-term investment patterns are reshaping the U.S. generation mix. Experts cited in the report said renewables could surpass gas again in future spring months as seasonal conditions recur. Undetermined at this time.