Solar, wind generation surpassing hydropower

Solar, wind, geothermal and other renewable energy sources are routinely surpassing hydropower generation across the U.S., according to the Energy Department’s stat shop.

Over the last eight months, non-hydro renewables have dominated electric generation, signaling a shift in the energy portfolio of the country.

{mosads}Only one decade ago, hydropower made up three times as much generation in the U.S. as renewables like wind, solar, biomass, landfill gas and more, the Energy Information Administration said.

Wind capacity surged 10-fold over the last decade, but hydropower capacity jumped just 1 percent, EIA said on Thursday.

The stat shop credits state renewable portfolio standards and federal tax credits for the recent growth in wind and solar.