Report: U.S. Renewable Energy Production Rising Sharply

The proportion of energy produced by renewable sources in the United States has almost quadrupled in the last decade.

1 minute read

November 17, 2021, 11:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Solar and Wind Energy

Soonthorn Wongsaita / Shutterstock

According to a new report, "[t]he proportion of electricity the United States gets from solar and wind nearly quadrupled between 2011 and 2020," writes Tik Root.

The report used data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration to assess the gigawatt-hours produced by wind and solar generation, which both grew while geothermal generation remained stagnant.

Solar generation grew particularly quickly, with the report finding a 23-fold increase since 2011. Wind, which started at a higher percentage than solar, saw an almost threefold increase. Three states — Iowa, North Dakota and Kansas — now produce at least half the amount of electricity they consume from wind and solar.

The report also found that costs for renewable energy have dropped sharply and are projected to continue declining. This, along with aggressive state policies that support renewable energy production in places like California, has contributed to the boom. According to the report, "every state in the country has enough potential from either solar or wind energy alone to supply all of its electricity needs."

The continued growth of the sector doesn't come without challenges such as the effectiveness of transmission systems and the "social acceptability" of projects. Meanwhile, report co-author Emma Searson cautions that energy conservation is just as critical to achieving 100 percent clean energy as increasing renewable energy production, but that goal is now something potentially achievable.

Tuesday, November 9, 2021 in The Washington Post

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Google street view of red brick multi-story power plant building in Pittsburgh, PA.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower

A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

July 4 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Cyclist on protected bike lane in middle of street in Washington D.C. with Washington Monument obelisk visible in background.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”

The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

July 4 - Streetsblog USA

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business