Input Stories

U.S. wind and utility-scale solar projects generated a record 17% of U.S. electricity in 2025—an enormous jump from their share of less than 1% in 2005 (Energy Information Administration).

• Adding in small-scale solar, the two sources’ net total generation came to 19%.

A solar expansion: The data also reveals the astronomical growth trajectory of solar power, which has grown every year since 2006.

• “In 2025, utility-scale solar power generation totaled 296,000 GWh, 34% more than in 2024.”

• Wind power also grew, though more slowly, generating 3% more electricity in 2025 than in 2024.

Dispatchable sources: Dispatchable generation sources, which can produce electricity without depending on the variability of sunshine or blowing wind, still make up the majority of U.S. electricity production.

• Together, gas, coal and nuclear power accounted for 75% of U.S. utility-scale electricity generation in 2025.

All-of-the-above energy: “These data points demonstrate the importance of the NAM’s all-of-the-above energy strategy to power manufacturing growth in America,” said NAM Vice President of Domestic Policy Chris Phalen.

• “As energy demand continues to grow, the U.S. must invest in many sources of energy and lift burdensome permitting requirements to ensure more energy projects and electricity infrastructure get built.”
• “A permitting system that costs manufacturers at least $8 billion per year is hindering investments across all energy sources—and is constraining manufacturers’ ability to invest and hire in America. Congress must act now to support manufacturing and all forms of American energy dominance by passing comprehensive permitting reform this year.”