Back in 2007, hydroelectricity represented the largest share of electricity generation among renewable resources in 28 states, including Colorado. Ten years later, hydroelectricity has shrunk to 7 percent of the national total and its top status dropped to 19 states. It is no longer the top renewable resource in Colorado. Wind is.
Wind is the most prevalent renewable resource in 16 states. Solar is the most prevalent in seven states. Both wind and solar are growing, and wind is expected to surpass hydropower as the largest share of renewable resources by 2019, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Short-Term Energy Outlook.
The shares noted here reflect the portions of total utility-scale electricity and small-scale solar photovoltaic electricity generated in each state. The electricity generated in one state may be consumed in another.