Renewable energy supplied 56% of new electricity generation in the United States in the first six months of 2014, according to data from the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Solar produced 32.1% (1,131 megawatts), wind 19.8% (699 MW), and bioenergy 2.5% (87 MW), with geothermal and hydropower accounting for smaller shares. “The dominant role being played by renewables in providing new electrical generating capacity in 2014 is continuing a trend now several years in the making,” Bossong reports. “If calendar year 2011 is also factored in, then renewables have accounted for approximately 45% of all new electrical generating capacity over the past 3½ years,” and now represent 16.28% of installed capacity across the country.
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