Fact Check: "By 2035, solar and wind power are expected to become the largest electricity sources."
What We Know
Recent studies indicate that by 2035, solar and wind energy are projected to play a dominant role in the U.S. electricity generation landscape. According to the NREL study, wind and solar energy could provide between 60% and 80% of the generation in the least-cost electricity mix. This significant increase is part of a broader goal to achieve 100% clean electricity by 2035, which would require a tripling of overall generation capacity compared to 2020 levels, including a combined 2 terawatts of wind and solar capacity.
The Solar Futures Study also supports this claim, suggesting that solar energy alone could account for 45% of electricity generation by 2050, with wind energy contributing significantly as well. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has projected that renewable sources, particularly wind and solar, will continue to grow, with wind power generation expected to increase by 11% from 2023 to 2025.
Analysis
The evidence from reputable sources strongly supports the claim that solar and wind power will become the largest sources of electricity by 2035. The NREL study, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, is particularly noteworthy due to its comprehensive modeling of future energy scenarios. It utilizes decades of research on renewable energy systems to project outcomes based on various deployment strategies and technological advancements.
The reliability of the NREL study is high, given its backing by a credible government agency and its use of established models. The Solar Futures Study further corroborates these findings, emphasizing the critical role of solar energy in achieving decarbonization goals. The EIA's projections also lend additional credibility, as it is a well-respected source of energy statistics and forecasts.
While there are challenges in achieving these ambitious goals, such as land use and infrastructure development, the overarching trend indicates a significant shift towards renewable energy sources. The studies collectively suggest that if current trends in technology deployment and policy support continue, solar and wind will indeed become the largest electricity sources in the U.S. by 2035.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that solar and wind power are expected to become the largest electricity sources by 2035 is supported by multiple credible studies and forecasts. The NREL and Solar Futures studies, along with EIA projections, provide a robust foundation for this assertion, indicating a substantial shift towards renewable energy in the coming years.
