Hydroelectricity still primary source of renewable electricity in US
Hydroelectricity is the largest source of renewable electricity in 19 states in 2017, while wind power is the primary source of renewable energy in 16 states, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA).
In 2007, hydroelectricity represented the largest share of electricity generation among renewable sources in 28 states.
Both wind and solar are increasing as a source of electricity generation. Solar is currently most prevalent in seven states.
Regarding electricity generation overall, hydroelectricity was the major source in six states in 2017. This refers to all sources of electricity, including fossil fuels, nuclear, biomass, and renewables.
Washington state is the biggest user of hydroelectricity as it accounts for 72 percent of the state’s total electricity generation.
For the United States, hydroelectricity provided 7 percent electricity generation – the most of any renewable source. EIA said wind is expected to surpass hydroelectricity as the leading source of renewables in 2019.
Kansas and Iowa are the states that are the biggest users of wind power. In Kansas, 38 percent of electricity generation came from wind in 2017, while in Iowa, 37 percent came from wind.
Finally, solar electricity was the second-largest generation source in Nevada.
