Renewable energy has generated more power than natural gas in the US for the first time in history
Published on Apr 21, 2026 at 9:30 PM (UTC-4)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on May 22, 2026 at 4:21 AM (UTC-4)
Edited by
Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Creating clean energy is something that the US has strived for for years, and for the first time in history, renewable energy has generated more power than natural gas in the US.
For years, natural gas has dominated the country’s electricity mix, acting as the go-to source of power.
But a rapid rise in solar and wind energy is beginning to flip that balance in a big way.
And while this milestone only happened over a single month, it could be a sign of what’s coming next.
Renewable energy has generated more power than natural gas
In March 2026, renewable sources, including wind, solar, hydropower, and biomass, generated more electricity in the United States than natural gas for the first time when powering houses, cars and even tech.
According to the Yale Environment 360 report, the shift was driven largely by a continued boom in wind and solar installations across the country.
The data, based on analysis from energy think tank Ember, showed that renewables didn’t just close the gap; they actually became the single largest source of electricity during that period.
When nuclear power is added into the mix, clean energy sources made up more than half of total US electricity generation for the month.
That’s a major milestone for a country that has historically relied heavily on fossil fuels to keep the lights on.
Fossil fuels aren’t gone yet
Despite the breakthrough, this doesn’t mean natural gas is out of the picture just yet.
Electricity demand in the US is continuing to rise, which means fossil fuels are still playing a key role in meeting that demand, especially during periods when renewable output drops.
Coal plants are also sticking around longer than expected in some areas, helping to fill gaps in the energy supply.
Another factor is the variability of renewable energy, since wind and solar depend on weather conditions and time of day, unlike natural gas which can provide steady, on-demand power.
Still, this moment is being seen as a glimpse into a cleaner energy future.
If renewable growth continues at its current pace, this one-off milestone could soon become a regular occurrence.
Daisy is a technology and automotive journalist covering artificial intelligence, consumer tech, Apple news, cryptocurrency, emerging technologies, and transportation innovation. Since joining the team in 2025, she has reported on everything from AI-powered startups and major iOS updates to viral car stories and the latest developments shaping transportation and the digital economy. Drawing on her background in automotive journalism and a degree in History and Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, Daisy specializes in breaking down complex topics into clear, engaging reporting for a global audience. Her work spans cutting-edge technology, innovative vehicles, and the people driving change across both industries. Daisy has gained first-hand access to some of the world's most talked-about technologies and innovators, including meeting Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot during its first European appearance in London. She has also discussed the future of space exploration with an astronaut, bringing unique insights and real-world perspectives to her coverage of emerging technology.
