US Solar Generation Overtakes Coal for First Time as AI Data Centers Drive Power Shift

US electricity consumption is rising again after remaining flat for nearly 20 years, driven by AI data centers, cryptocurrency mining, manufacturing and electrification. The US Energy Information Administration said large loads are pushing up demand on the power grid. Whether solar can quickly fill the gap will affect the phaseout of coal, electricity prices and grid reliability, making it pivotal to the energy transition.

Global energy think tank Ember reported on June 10, 2026, that US solar generation reached 45.5 terawatt-hours in May, up 17% year on year and accounting for 12.8% of total power generation. Solar surpassed coal for the first time, with coal producing 43.4 terawatt-hours, or 12.2% of the total. Separately, SEIA and Wood Mackenzie said 7.8 gigawatts of solar capacity was added in the first quarter, while solar and storage accounted for 91% of all new power-generating capacity.