Among renewable sources, wind is expected to surpass hydro in electricity generation in the U.S. next year, according to the country's Energy Information Administration (EIA) on Wednesday.
The EIA said although hydroelectric power had provided the largest share of renewable electricity generation in the U.S. in the past, 'few new hydro plants are expected to come online in the next two years.'
Hydro provided 7.4 percent of electricity generation in the U.S. last year, but this level is anticipated to decline to 6.5 percent this year and 6.6 percent next year.
On the other hand, the EIA estimates wind capacity in the country to increase by 8.3 gigawatts (GW) in 2018 and by 8 GW in 2019.
'The forecast for wind power output is more dependent on the capacity and timing of new wind turbines coming online,' according to the EIA.
The EIA said if these new generating units come online as scheduled, they would add 9 percent to the country's wind capacity by the end of this year, and another 8 percent by the end of next year.
The administration said it estimates wind power to provide 6.4 percent of electricity generation in the U.S. in 2018, and 6.9 percent in 2019.
Wind provided 6.3 percent of electricity generation in the country in 2017, according to the EIA.
By Ovunc Kutlu in New York
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr