EIA expects utility-scale solar PV capacity will grow by about 13GW from 2015 to 2017

According to a reference case projection by the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA); the share of renewables in North America’s electricity mix will grow to 29% by 2025, while nuclear power will decline to 16%.

In total, clean energy sources will reach 45% of the power mix in Canada, Mexico, and the US combined, under the reference case in the Annual Energy Outlook 2016 (AEO2016). This compares to 38% in 2015 (20% for renewables and 18% for nuclear).

The US, Canada and Mexico announced in June they will strive towards a 2025 regional goal of 50% clean power generation by relying on renewable and nuclear power, carbon capture and storage technologies, as well as on energy efficiency.

EIA’s reference case envisages a significant increase in the use of renewable power in the US by 2025. Its share is seen to grow to 23% from 13% in 2015. The scenario assumes that implementation of the Clean Power Plan (CPP) begins in 2022. Renewables are fuelled by the extension of tax credits, significant cost reductions, and recognition of future CPP requirements.

Thanks to its hydropower resources, Canada had achieved an 80% clean energy share in 2015.

The country wants to add more hydro by 2025, in addition to boosting its wind and solar capacity. Still, the combined share of renewables and nuclear in Canada’s total generation is seen dropping to 75% by 2025 (66% renewable) because it will use more natural gas then and retire existing nuclear capacity.

In Mexico, EIA expects a rise in generation from hydro, wind, and other renewable power plants, and a reduction in the use of fossil fuels. By 2025, Mexico will grow its renewable energy share to 26% from 17% in 2015.