Wind, solar, and hydroelectricity have produced more electricity in the U.S. than coal since March 25, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration analyzed by the Institute for Energy Economics & Financial Analysis (IEEFA).
This streak breaks the previous record which stood at just 9 days.
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The change comes from an overall decline in electricity demand as many businesses are either closed or operating at a minimum capacity — limiting the need to rely as heavily on coal.
Many states are pushing the shift toward green energy, increasing renewable energy mandates for utilities and businesses within their jurisdiction.
Some retail giants like Target have also made pledges to transition to renewable energy to power their stores.
Electricity production using coal emits high amounts of C02, which creates a heat-trapping blanket in the atmosphere and is one of the drivers of climate change.
Coal production is also linked to high levels of air and water pollution.
IEEFA previously predicted that renewable energy production would consistently surpass coal by 2021.
“But in the first quarter of 2020, renewable generation unexpectedly exceeded coal, and with this strong performance continuing in the second quarter, there is an increasing chance that the milestone could occur this year,” the group said.
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