Following 35% growth, solar has passed hydro on US grid (arstechnica.com)

Article summary

The US Energy Information Administration has released data showing that solar power has surpassed hydroelectric power in the US grid, with a 35% growth in solar power generation in 2025. Despite this growth, coal use also increased by 13% due to high demand and rising natural gas costs. The article notes that the Trump administration's policies have had a limited impact on the growth of renewable energy, and that solar and wind power are expected to continue growing in the coming years. The expansion of battery storage is also expected to play a key role in the growth of renewable energy.

Main themes

• renewable energy growth
• US energy policy
• political reform
• voting systems
• economic growth
• climate change mitigation

What commenters say

• The US political system is flawed and in need of reform to prevent the influence of big money and promote more democratic representation.
• The growth of renewable energy is inevitable and will continue despite political opposition.
• Literacy tests or other forms of voter qualification are proposed as a solution to perceived problems with the democratic system.
• The US is falling behind other countries in terms of renewable energy adoption and economic growth due to its political and economic systems.
• Ranked choice voting or approval voting could be a solution to the problems of the current electoral system.
• The influence of money in politics is a major obstacle to meaningful reform and the growth of renewable energy.
• Personal responsibility and individual action, such as investing in renewable energy, can be a more effective way to create change than relying on political systems.
• The left vs right political divide is not a natural or inevitable aspect of the debate over renewable energy, but rather a product of political and economic interests.