FERC Renewables Made Up 88% of New US Power Generating Capacity to September 2025
New data from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), analyzed by the SUN DAY Campaign, shows that renewables continue to dominate new power generation capacity in the United States. In the first nine months of 2025, solar energy accounted for over 75% of the new electrical generating capacity added nationwide. This strong performance highlights the growing role of solar power in the country’s energy landscape.
In September 2025 alone, solar energy contributed an impressive 98% of all new capacity added. This marks the 25th consecutive month in which solar has led all other energy sources in new capacity additions. The consistent dominance of solar power over more than two years underscores its rapid expansion and increasing importance in the US energy mix.
Solar and Wind Outpace Natural Gas in New Capacity Additions
Year-to-date, both solar and wind energy have each added more new generating capacity than natural gas. This trend reflects a significant shift in the types of energy sources being developed and installed across the country. While natural gas has traditionally been a major player in new power capacity, renewables are now outpacing it in growth.
The overall mix of renewable energy sources is on track to exceed 40% of the total installed generating capacity within the next three years. Solar power alone is expected to reach about 20% of the installed capacity during this period. These projections indicate that renewables will play an increasingly dominant role in the US power sector in the near future.
FERC Renewables Made Up a Growing Share of US Power Capacity
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s data clearly shows that ferc renewables made up a significant majority of new power generating capacity added in 2025. Solar energy, in particular, has been the leading source of new capacity for over two years. This trend is expected to continue as more solar and wind projects come online.
The rapid growth of renewables is reshaping the US energy market. As solar and wind capacity continue to expand, they are gradually replacing traditional fossil fuel sources like natural gas. The increasing share of renewables in the installed capacity mix signals a major transition toward cleaner energy sources.
In summary, ferc renewables made up 88% of the new power generating capacity added to the US grid through September 2025. Solar energy led this growth, contributing more than three-quarters of the new capacity in the first nine months of the year and nearly all of it in September. Wind energy also played a key role, with both solar and wind surpassing natural gas in new capacity additions year-to-date. With renewables expected to exceed 40% of total installed capacity within three years, the US is clearly moving toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
For more stories on this topic, visit our category page.
Source: original article.