BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 11. In 2024, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) anticipates a 5-percent increase, equivalent to 21 billion kWh, in wind generation, with approximately 7 GW of additional generating capacity compared to last year, Trend reports.
However, recent months have seen slower wind speeds than usual, raising concerns that annual wind generation for this year may fall below expectations. Despite this, the EIA still projects a 3-percent growth, amounting to 14 billion kWh, in wind generation for 2025.
Meanwhile, hydropower output in the US tends to fluctuate significantly from year to year, peaking during the water runoff season in late spring. For 2024, the EIA forecasts a 6-percent increase (14 billion kWh), in US hydropower compared to 2023. This growth is attributed to higher water supply in key regions of the Southeast and Northwest. Notably, the Southeast is expected to see the largest increase in hydroelectric generation this year, up by 10 percent.
Looking ahead to 2025, the EIA predicts a further 6-percent growth in US hydropower, primarily centered in the Northwest.
With the rise in renewable generation, the EIA expects growth in natural gas-fired power generation to be limited, even with favorable natural gas prices. US natural gas generation in 2024 is forecasted to remain relatively flat. Additionally, the ongoing trend of low natural gas prices and the retirement of coal-fired capacity are expected to continue reducing US coal generation, with a projected decline of 4 percent (28 billion kWh) in 2024 and 7 percent (48 billion kWh) in 2025.