By Anders Lorenzen

The electricity grid in New York, US has just set a new record for the level of renewable energy flowing through its local grid.

On the 18th of May, a record amount of solar power of 3,330 megawatts (MW) moved through the grid meaning that it sourced 20% of its electricity from a singular clean energy technology. 

The power produced from solar power that day was enough to meet the electricity demand of  2.7 – 3.3 million homes, according to grid operator NYSIO. They added that behind-the-meter solar resources accounted for 3,200 MW of the power generated, while front-of-the-meter resources made up 130 MW.

One of the most robust solar markets in the US

Doreen Harris, president and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority said: “New York is one of the most robust solar markets in the US with programs such as NY-Sun driving significant growth across the state.” 

The record increased the chances of the state meeting its Climate Act mandates which require all power generation to come from clean energy sources by 2040, including 70% from renewable energy by 2030.

Justin Deiscoll the CEO of New York Power Authority, the largest state-owned electric utility in the US said switching away from natural gas-fired electricity is the top challenge for the power industry in New York state.

Across the US, the switch away from fossil fuels and towards clean energy for electric utilities has been aided by the clean power standards, strengthened both by the Obama Administration and the Biden Administration (with the latter restoring the damage done by the Trump Administration). 

As countries around the world continue to add more renewable energy to their portfolios, records like these are on the increase.