Renewable energy has now produced more electricity in the U.S. than coal for 40 days straight

The lockdown has resulted in the low air pollution and also allowed the wild animals to roam around freely. Not only that, it has moved the U.S one step closer to clean energy.

It is surprising to know that during the corona virus that forced the whole world to stay-at-home, renewable energy is getting a boost. Power generation from sources like solar, wind and hydropower have overtaken coal-fired power in the United States for a record 40 straight days.

According to a report revealed by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), using data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), April's boost not only comes from low gas prices, warmer weather and more renewables added to the grid — but also from a massive decline in electricity demand as Americans staying at home. IEEFA said the findings mark an important "milestone" in the country's transition to clean energy.

The trend has started where renewables have overtaken coal. This is the first time renewables have surpassed coal in electricity generation every day in a single month. It measured the time between March 25 and May 3, but the trend is expected to continue. 

Previously, it was April 2019, which was the longest continuous stretch previously and saw nine consecutive days of renewables overtaking coal. In total, renewables beat coal on just 38 days last year. 

The other side could be the high cost of coal which in bad time is the first thing to cut when demand is down. It is pertinent to mention here that renewable is cheaper to operate and often supported by clean-energy regulations. In April, coal-fired generation held just 15.3% of the market share, a massive decrease. 

According to IEEFA, January marked the first time in decades. This also the first time in U.S. power industry — that coal's market share fell below 20%. In 2008, it held over half of the market. 

On the basis of the current situation, IEEFA predicted renewable energy in the U.S. could exceed coal annually in 2021, but is now hopeful the pandemic could accelerate the change — despite the Trump administration's efforts to revive the coal industry.

However President Trump has a different view about wind power generation.

"I never understood wind," the president said last year. "I know windmills very much. I have studied it better than anybody. I know it is very expensive... They are noisy. They kill the birds. You want to see a bird graveyard. Go under a windmill someday. You'll see more birds than you've ever seen ever in your life."

However, with the passage of time, wind and solar power have become increasingly efficient and affordable in recent years.

According to EIA, coal-fired power demand is projected to feel the brunt of the decline, potentially falling 20% due to the falling demand of overall electricity consumption to fall 3% this year, Renewables, however, are expected to grow 11% due to their low operating costs, EIA predicts.