During the first six months of 2024, the US added 20.2 GW of new electricity generation capacity. Solar played a leading role, accounting for 59% of these additions at 12 GW. Texas and Florida, two key states in this area, together accounted for 38% of new solar installations. Notable projects include the 690 MW Gemini solar and storage facility in Nevada and the 653 MW Lumina Solar project in Texas, demonstrating the rapid expansion of these technologies.
Battery storage also stands out with 4.2 GW of new capacity or 21% of total additions. The states of California, Texas, Arizona and Nevada have concentrated the majority of these installations, strengthening the stability and resilience of the national power grid. In addition to its solar component, the Gemini project has integrated 380 MW of storage capacity, while the Eleven Mile Solar Center in Arizona added 300 MW.
Diversification of electricity production
Nuclear power saw a notable increase with the commercial operation of Unit 4 of the Vogtle Nuclear Power Plant in Georgia, adding 1,114 MW to the national grid. This new unit gives Vogtle the status of the largest nuclear power plant in the United States, making it a crucial player in the diversification of the American energy mix.
At the same time, wind capacity contributed to 12% of new installations with 2.5 GW added. Among the most significant projects are Canyon Wind (309 MW) and Goodnight (266 MW), both located in Texas, highlighting the state’s position as a leader in wind energy.
Payouts with reduced capacity
Capacity retirements slowed in the first half of 2024, with 5.1 GW closed, down from the 9.2 GW retired during the same period in 2023. Natural gas plants accounted for more than half of the closures, followed by coal-fired plants. Among the most important, Unit 1 of the Seminole Electric Cooperative in Florida and the Homer City generating station in Pennsylvania, each of 626 MW, as well as the closure of the Mystic Generating Station (1,413 MW) in Massachusetts, mark decisive steps in the transformation of the American energy landscape.
Forecasts for the second half of 2024 indicate a continuation of this trend, with 42.6 GW of new capacity planned. Solar power is still expected to dominate, with another 25 GW, followed by battery storage with 10.8 GW and wind with 4.6 GW. If these projects come to fruition, the year 2024 could be marked by historical records in terms of added capacity, illustrating the continued development towards more sustainable and resilient energy production.