U.S. renewable energy capacity in 2024: Sustainable transition and global competitiveness

The United States has made significant strides in transitioning to sustainable energy, yet its global competitiveness in renewable energy capacity remains a critical area of study. This research examines U.S. renewable and non-renewable electricity capacity trends from 2000 to 2024, using descriptive statistics from IRENA’s Renewable Capacity Statistics 2025. Over two decades, U.S. non-renewable capacity grew marginally from 768 GW to 832 GW, declining from 909 GW in 2011, while renewable capacity expanded exponentially, increasing its share from 11% to 34%. In 2024, the U.S. ranked second globally in renewable capacity (428 GW) and total installed capacity (1,260 GW), trailing China (1,827 GW and 3,351 GW, respectively), with Brazil (214 GW) and India (534 GW) as notable competitors. Per capita, the U.S. and China both achieved 1.29 kW in renewable capacity, but the U.S. led in non-renewable capacity at 2.5 kW versus China’s 1.1 kW. Solar (41.43%) and wind (35.75%) dominated U.S. renewable capacity, followed by hydropower (19.65%), bioenergy (2.55%), and geothermal (0.63%). Sector-specific findings reveal the U.S.’s higher share of concentrated solar power (0.83% vs. global 0.5%), mixed hydro plants (15% vs. global 4.6%), and reliance on solid biofuels (73%), with opportunities for bioenergy growth where India and Brazil lead. The U.S.’s alignment with global offshore wind trends (7.14%) further underscores its competitive position. This study highlights the U.S.’s leadership in most renewable sectors and identifies bioenergy as a key area for development to enhance sustainability and global standing.