Solar power drives almost all growth in US electricity consumption – Caliber.Az

Report on US Progress Towards Sustainable Development Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Overview of Energy Demand and Renewable Integration

An assessment of the United States energy sector in 2025 reveals significant progress in aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). While industrial growth, notably from data centers, initially triggered a 5% surge in electricity demand, this challenge was met with a strategic expansion of renewable infrastructure.

• Initial demand growth in the first quarter was 4.8%.
• Over the first nine months of the year, demand growth moderated to 2.3%.
• This increased demand was substantially absorbed by a rapid expansion in solar power generation, demonstrating a successful transition towards sustainable energy systems as outlined in SDG 7.

Transition to Clean Energy Sources (SDG 7 & SDG 13)

The national energy mix has undergone a significant shift away from fossil fuels towards zero-emission sources, directly contributing to climate action objectives.

Key Developments in the Energy Mix:

1. Solar Power Expansion: Utility-scale solar generation increased by 36%, while small-scale solar grew by 11%. This rapid deployment is critical for achieving SDG Target 7.2, which aims to increase the global percentage of renewable energy.
2. Decline in Fossil Fuel Reliance: In a crucial step for SDG 13, consumption of carbon-intensive fuels has decreased. Coal use fell by 7% by September, and natural gas consumption declined by nearly 4%. This reflects a move towards more responsible consumption and production patterns (SDG 12).
3. Contribution of Zero-Emission Sources: Collectively, zero-emission sources now account for 40% of all electricity generated in the United States. The current breakdown is as follows:
   • Wind Power: 10%
   • Utility-Scale Solar: 7%
   • Hydropower: 6%
   • Nuclear Power contributes to the remainder of the 40% total.

Future Projections and Milestones for Renewable Energy

The trajectory of renewable energy growth indicates that solar power is poised to become a dominant source of clean energy in the United States.

1. Combined solar output has already surpassed hydropower generation.
2. Within approximately two years, solar is projected to overtake wind as the leading renewable source.
3. Subsequently, the combined output of wind and solar is expected to produce more electricity than the nation’s nuclear power infrastructure.

Case Study: California’s Leadership in Sustainable Infrastructure (SDG 9 & SDG 11)

California serves as a leading example of implementing sustainable infrastructure (SDG 9) to build sustainable communities (SDG 11).

• Renewable Integration: The state doubled its solar production over a five-year period. In 2025, it successfully managed an 8% increase in electricity consumption while reducing natural-gas use by 17%, effectively decoupling energy growth from fossil fuels.
• Innovation in Energy Storage: To manage the intermittency of solar power, California has fostered significant growth in battery storage. This infrastructure absorbs surplus, low-cost solar energy during the day and releases it after sunset. This innovation is vital for grid stability and maximizing the contribution of renewables, directly supporting the goals of SDG 7 and SDG 9.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: The entire article focuses on the generation and consumption of electricity, detailing the shift from fossil fuels like coal and natural gas to clean, renewable sources, primarily solar power. It discusses the expansion of solar generation to meet rising energy demand, making it the most central SDG.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: The article highlights the rising electricity demand triggered by the growth of data centres, a key component of modern digital infrastructure. It then discusses the innovative solutions and infrastructure upgrades, such as the massive expansion of solar farms and the growth in battery storage, required to power this industry sustainably.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The mention of “small-scale solar” which “grew 11%” and consumption “behind the meter” relates directly to energy use at the community and household level. This shift towards decentralized, clean energy sources contributes to making communities more sustainable and resilient.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: By detailing the decline in fossil fuel consumption (“Coal use is falling, down… 7% by September, while natural gas slipped nearly 4%”) and the corresponding rise of zero-emission sources like solar, the article directly addresses actions taken to mitigate climate change by decarbonizing the energy sector.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

1. Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

   The article provides concrete evidence of progress towards this target within the US. It states that solar generation has undergone an “exceptional expansion” and that the combined output of zero-emission sources (wind, solar, hydropower, and nuclear) now accounts for “40% of electricity.” The text explicitly notes that utility-scale solar provides 7% of US demand and is expected to “overtake wind” in roughly two years, further increasing the renewable share.

2. Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable…

   The article describes a significant upgrade of the US energy infrastructure. The massive build-out of utility-scale solar and the growth in battery storage, which “absorbs cheap daytime power and releases it after sunset,” represent a fundamental retrofitting of the energy grid to accommodate renewable sources and make the electricity supply more sustainable. This is done in response to the demands of modern industries like data centres.

3. Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

   While the article does not mention specific government policies, the outcomes it describes—a significant reduction in coal and natural gas consumption and a rapid increase in solar power—are direct results of strategies aimed at climate change mitigation. The fact that “40% of electricity comes from zero-emission sources” demonstrates a large-scale integration of climate-friendly energy solutions into the nation’s energy planning and infrastructure development.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. Indicator for Target 7.2: Renewable energy share in total final energy consumption.

   The article provides several specific data points that serve as direct indicators for this target. These include:

   • The share of wind power in US demand: “Wind meets 10% of US demand.”
   • The share of utility-scale solar: “utility-scale solar 7%.”
   • The share of hydropower: “hydropower 6%.”
   • The overall share of zero-emission electricity: “40% of electricity comes from zero-emission sources.”
   • The growth rate of solar generation: “solar output grew 44%” in the first quarter.

2. Indicator for Target 9.4 & 13.2: Change in energy mix and reduction in fossil fuel use.

   Progress towards upgrading infrastructure for sustainability and integrating climate action can be measured by the shift away from carbon-intensive energy sources. The article implies a reduction in CO2 emissions by providing the following indicators of change:

   • Reduction in coal consumption: “Coal use is falling, down 13% in the first quarter and 7% by September.”
   • Reduction in natural gas consumption: “natural gas slipped nearly 4%.”
   • In California, a specific case shows a 17% fall in natural-gas use despite an 8% surge in electricity consumption, indicating a successful substitution with clean energy.

Summary of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: caliber.az