Fact Check: "Solar and wind power are expected to be the largest electricity sources by 2035."
What We Know
Recent studies indicate that solar and wind energy are projected to play a dominant role in the U.S. electricity generation landscape by 2035. According to the 100% Clean Electricity by 2035 Study conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), wind and solar energy are expected to provide between 60% to 80% of the generation in the least-cost electricity mix by that year. This study, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, outlines various pathways to achieve a net-zero power grid, emphasizing the need for rapid scaling of clean energy technologies.
Additionally, a report from the Center for Environmental Public Policy at UC Berkeley suggests that the U.S. could reach 90% clean, carbon-free electricity by 2035, primarily through the deployment of wind, solar, and battery storage technologies. The report highlights that significant cost reductions in these technologies have made this target feasible without increasing consumer energy bills.
Analysis
The evidence from both the NREL and UC Berkeley studies supports the claim that solar and wind power will be the largest sources of electricity by 2035. The NREL study specifically models scenarios where the deployment of these technologies is essential for achieving clean electricity goals. The projected capacity increase is substantial, with overall generation capacity expected to triple from 2020 levels, which underscores the anticipated growth in solar and wind installations.
The UC Berkeley report complements these findings by asserting that the U.S. can achieve a high percentage of clean electricity generation without the need for new fossil fuel plants, relying instead on existing infrastructure alongside renewable technologies. This report is particularly noteworthy as it emphasizes the economic viability of transitioning to renewable energy, suggesting that it can be done without additional costs to consumers.
Both studies are credible and come from reputable institutions with expertise in energy analysis. The NREL is a national laboratory under the U.S. Department of Energy, while UC Berkeley's Center for Environmental Public Policy is well-regarded for its research in environmental and energy policy. Their findings are based on extensive modeling and analysis, making them reliable sources for understanding future energy trends.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that solar and wind power are expected to be the largest electricity sources by 2035 is supported by credible studies from NREL and UC Berkeley. Both studies indicate a significant shift towards renewable energy, with solar and wind projected to dominate the electricity generation mix, thereby affirming the validity of the claim.
