Clean energy capacity in the United States is set to grow by a record 45 gigawatts in 2026, according to S&P Global Energy, despite President Donald Trump's efforts to curb the solar and wind rollout in favour of fossil fuels. The increase, roughly 25% above the previous record set in 2024, is being driven by surging electricity demand from AI data centres, rising global energy prices linked to Trump's war in Iran, and developers rushing to complete projects before clean energy tax credits expire. Analysts say the administration has proven pragmatic despite its rhetoric, recognising that renewables cannot easily be replaced given growing power needs.

New solar capacity is expected to rise by nearly a third in 2026 and wind by almost 50%, even though Trump's administration blocked the Esmeralda 7 project in Nevada, cut tax credits via the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and delayed approvals for over 150 onshore wind projects. However, a July 2026 deadline in that same legislation to begin construction spurred developers to break ground quickly. Solar and wind remain the fastest and cheapest options to add to the grid, with lead times under two years versus at least three for gas, and break-even prices as low as $37–38 per megawatt-hour compared with $48 for gas. US electricity demand is forecast to grow 39% by 2035, and expected price rises of 40–120% once Biden-era subsidies lapse are expected to further benefit renewable developers.