Clean energy experts call 2025 turbulent as Trump stymies wind and solar

Dozens of energy developers, experts, and politicians say there were some highs amid a lot of lows in a roller coaster year for clean energy as President Donald Trump worked to boost polluting fuels while stymying wind and solar.

Surveyed by The Associated Press, many described 2025 as a turbulent and challenging one for clean energy though there was progress as projects connected to the electric grid. They said clean energy will have to further ramp up in 2026 and beyond to meet a skyrocketing demand for electricity to power data centres and to lower the cost of Americans’ utility bills.

Solar builder and operator Jorge Vargas says it has been a very tough year for clean energy.

The Trump administration has sought to boost fossil fuel production while rolling back climate policies put in place by the previous Biden administration. This has created uncertainty for renewable energy developers and investors.

Trump signed executive orders in his first week in office withdrawing the US from the Paris climate agreement, halting offshore wind energy development and opening more federal lands to oil and gas drilling. He also tried to rescind billions of dollars in clean energy tax credits and grants authorised under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act though many of those efforts were blocked by Congress or courts.

Despite the challenges, clean energy capacity additions continued in 2025 though at a slower pace than previously projected. Wind and solar installations faced headwinds from supply chain disruptions, rising costs, and policy uncertainty.

Industry experts note that the economics of renewable energy remain favourable, with costs continuing to decline for both wind and solar technologies. However, the pace of deployment has been hampered by transmission constraints and permitting delays.

Many developers said they remained optimistic about the sector’s long-term prospects, noting that demand for clean electricity from tech companies and other large power users continues to grow strongly.

Looking ahead to 2026, clean energy advocates emphasise the need for continued investment in grid infrastructure and energy storage to support the growing share of renewables on the power system.

AP