The United States generated more energy through renewable resources than nuclear for the first time since 1984, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Energy from biomass, geothermal, hydro, solar, and wind sources combined to surpass nuclear due to seasonal factors and an upward trend in renewable energy production.
Solar and wind achieved record months in energy generation. Hydro power received a bump from large amounts of precipitation in the West, specifically in California, generating more energy than normal, the EIA says.
Nuclear generation was at its lowest point in April since 2014. Many nuclear plants are down for maintenance and refueling in the spring and fall because of the comparatively low demand for electricity during those months, according to the Associated Press.
Despite renewables’ triumph, nuclear should again pass renewables in production during the summer and in total for the year 2017. Renewables’ output is expected to keep growing in the coming years, however, while nuclear will remain fairly consistent, according to the EIA.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.