Fact brief - Does wind power require backup from fossil fuels?

The useful part

Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. Most power grids still combine fossil fuels with renewables, but some already run entirely on renewable energy and offer models others could follow. The majority of 100% renewable grids rely primarily on hydropower, though certain nations have significantly incorporated wind in their portfolios.

How it works

• municipalities meet electricity demands using diverse portfolios of renewables, including wind.
• Energy storage is also rapidly expanding as a solution to intermittency, with the U.S.
• Such combinations of renewable resources, storage, and transmission continue to enable more reliable, renewable grids.
• Go to full rebuttal on Skeptical Science or to the fact brief on Gigafact This fact brief is responsive to quotes such as <a...

Details worth keeping

You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. In Kansas and South Dakota, wind alone comprises 60% of generation. ranking second globally and achieving record growth in 2025.