The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) has released data showing that utility-scale solar, wind, and battery storage will add more than 80 gigawatts of new generating capacity in the US by February 28, 2027. This significant growth is expected to transform the energy landscape in the country.
As of March 1, 2026, renewable energy's share of total US utility-scale generating capacity was 33.4%. The EIA projects this to grow to 36.6% by February 28, 2027, with solar and wind contributing to this growth.
Solar will add 42,628.6 MW, expanding its share from 12.7% to 15.5%, while wind will grow by 14,507.4 MW, increasing from 13.1% to 13.6%. This includes 4,155.0 MW of new offshore wind capacity.
The combined capacity growth of all renewable energy sources for the 12-month period is almost 75% greater than that added during the previous 12 months.
Meanwhile, EIA projects no new nuclear generating capacity and a net decline of 4,903.2 MW in fossil fuel capacity.
Renewables' capacity will surpass natural gas, with solar power's share alone expected to be almost one-fifth of total US capacity by March 1, 2027.
Battery energy storage is also expected to surge, with utility-scale battery energy storage increasing from 44,630.7 MW to 67,549.6 MW - an increase of 51.4%.
This growth in renewable energy sources and battery storage will provide approximately 86,370 MW of new clean capacity.
The rapid expansion of renewables' generating capacity has been accompanied by comparable growth in generation, with electrical output by the mix of renewables increasing by 10.8% during January and February.
