"2024 Solar Eclipse: A Test for Renewable Energy in the US"

The total solar eclipse in the US highlights the crucial role of solar energy in the nation's power grid, with over 31 million people living in areas affected by the eclipse. Grid managers have had to find backup sources of energy to cope with the eclipse, showcasing the need for further progress in cleaning up the power grid. While solar generation falls during the eclipse, electricity demand is expected to rise, leading to a mismatch in supply and demand. Gas and hydropower are expected to make up for the shortfall in solar energy, but this comes with increased pollution and environmental impact. The eclipse underscores the need to ramp up capacity for renewable energy generation and storage to ensure a reliable supply and reduce reliance on dirty sources of energy.