Wind & Solar Power Will Dominate 2020 In US, Despite Trump

https://cleantechnica.com/2020/01/16/wind-solar-power-will-dominate-2020-in-us-despite-trump/

Trump does not like wind and solar power, but the market absolutely loves wind and solar power. The EIA predicts wind, solar, hydro, and energy storage will be 78% of new electrical generation capacity in 2020. We will see 5.57 GW of coal retired and no new coal plants!

While natural gas is adding 9.3 GW of new capacity, 3.74 GW are being retired. Thus, the net amount of natural gas for 2020 is 5.56 GW. As renewables and energy storage become more affordable, we will see natural gas continue to lose market share.

Wind will be #1 in 2020 with a total of 18.5 GW of capacity coming online. It is worth mentioning these newer turbines have higher capacity factors than previous turbines. Additionally, wind power is reaching into newer markets as turbines have been designed to fit a variety of wind speeds.

Solar will grow to 13.58 GW in 2020. The red state of Texas will add 22% of utility-scale solar. Texas has a great chance to lead the nation in renewable energy. Wind in the desert plains of West Texas is very consistent at night. Conversely, wind along the coast of Texas is most consistent in the afternoon and evening. Then, of course, solar power only produces during the day. This wide variety of sources really helps, since much less energy storage will be required.

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