US fossil fuel projects expand as renewable growth slows
The US is building more fossil fuel infrastructure than at any point in a decade, while renewable energy growth is slowing. Rising electricity demand from data centres, factories and electric vehicles is contributing to the shift, alongside federal policies that favour fossil fuels; decisions made now could affect electricity costs, reliability and emissions for decades.
A report by the Environmental Defense Fund and Atlas Public Policy says fossil fuel projects rose from 5 per cent of planned new capacity in 2024 to 30 per cent by the second quarter of 2026. If current plans proceed, fossil fuels could make up 70 per cent of the development pipeline by the end of the decade, with 68 gigawatts of planned capacity by 2030. The report notes that projects may be cancelled, and that new wind and solar remain cheaper on average than gas-fired power.
- US fossil fuel projects are gaining ground as electricity demand rises.
- Planned fossil capacity could reach 68 gigawatts by 2030.
- New wind and solar remain cheaper than gas power.
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The US electricity system is changing as demand rises from data centres, factories and electric vehicles. Power companies and policymakers must decide how to meet that demand, including how much to rely on fossil fuels such as gas and how much on wind and solar.
The Environmental Defense Fund is an environmental group, and Atlas Public Policy researches energy and transport policy. Their report tracks proposed power projects, but plans can change or be cancelled before construction. These choices matter because power stations and related infrastructure can operate for many years, shaping the cost and reliability of electricity as well as emissions.
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Originally published by The Verge as “The fossil fuel comeback is here”.