Solar Boom Reshapes U.S. Grid as Renewables Displace Coal

The U.S. grid is returning to its historical pattern of coal displacement through renewable growth, with solar surging 24% year-over-year—significantly outpacing the 1.5% demand increase. This challenges narratives linking data-center expansion to inevitable fossil fuel dependence, though weather volatility in hydroelectric generation and rising global gas prices present near-term risks to sustained decarbonization progress.