U.S. clean-energy capacity surges despite Trump administration's restrictions
New solar and wind projects are set to add a record 45 GW of capacity this year, even as the Trump administration has cut incentives and blocked approvals.
Despite policy moves aimed at curbing renewables, the United States is on track for an unprecedented expansion of clean-energy capacity, with S&P Global Energy forecasting a 45 GW increase this year—about 25 % above the 2024 record and comparable to Turkey's average electricity demand. The boom is attributed to heightened power needs from AI data centers, higher global energy prices linked to the war in Iran, and developers racing to lock in expiring tax credits before a July 4 deadline.
The Trump administration has dismantled the large Esmeralda 7 solar project in Nevada and trimmed tax credits via the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, while also interfering with approvals for over 150 on-shore wind projects. Nonetheless, industry leaders say the market is pragmatic, noting that renewable growth cannot be halted amid rising demand. The White House spokesperson highlighted record oil and gas production as a parallel achievement. Projections suggest solar capacity will set another record in 2027, with wind lagging briefly before rebounding.
Why it matters
It shows how market forces can drive renewable growth even when political leaders oppose it.
In this story
