In May, solar power generated more electricity in the United States than coal for the first time. Data from Ember, the Solar Energy Industries Association, and Wood Mackenzie indicate that solar continues to grow while coal usage declines, despite federal policies favoring coal.

In April 2026, wind and solar energy generated more electricity than gas for the first time, producing 22% of the world's electricity compared to gas's 20%. Together, wind and solar generated a record 531 terawatt-hours (TWh), surpassing gas's output of 477 TWh by 54 TWh.

The Iran war has prompted global policymakers to reconsider strategies for reducing reliance on fossil fuels, including expanding nuclear energy and renewables, increasing strategic stockpiles, boosting domestic production, and diversifying supply sources. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz following U.S. and Israeli attacks on February 28 marks the third significant energy shock this decade.

Data centers generating their own electricity may improve public acceptance but introduce new challenges. Noise pollution from gas turbines at a Vantage Data Centers facility in Sterling, Virginia, has raised concerns among local residents, including cybersecurity professional Lindsay Shaw.