IEEFA – U.S. on Track to Close Half of Coal Capacity by 2026

The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) reports that the U.S. is on track to close half of its coal-fired generation capacity by 2026, just 15 years after it reached its peak in 2011. The report highlights that approximately 40% of the remaining U.S. coal-fired capacity, about 80.6 gigawatts, is set to close by the end of 2030. This trend reflects a significant shift in the U.S. energy landscape, driven by the aging of the coal fleet, rising operational costs, and the increasing competitiveness of alternative energy sources. The closures are widespread, with 173 coal-fired units across 33 states scheduled for retirement between now and 2030. This transition underscores the ongoing restructuring of the U.S. coal industry and the broader move towards more sustainable energy solutions.