By Mike Granowski and Eric Beaumont

Since 2019, the EIA has expanded its collection of hourly data from every Balancing Authority (BA) in the US. Prior to 2019, the EIA only collected demand, energy generated within the BA and interchange between other BAs. The expansion of data collection required that the fuel mix of the energy produced in each BA also be collected. Relevant fuel types include wind, solar, hydro, nuclear, coal, natural gas, oil and "other."

The purpose of this report is to track the penetration of clean energy resources into the energy mix, specifically wind, solar, hydro and nuclear. In addition to penetration, we explore the performance of wind and solar, both intermittent resources.

The report is structured to provide a national overview with select high-level conclusions and recommendations followed by regional details of the ISOs and RTOs. Our hypothesis is that 100% renewable is unattainable in many parts of the country, and consequently we consider other low to zero carbon technologies that complement renewables and expand the capability of the grid.

We hope you find this inaugural report informative and thought provoking.