Key Facts
- ✓ During the first 10 months of 2025, solar and battery storage dominated growth among competing energy sources.
- ✓ All net new generating capacity in 2026 is forecast to be provided by renewable energy and batteries.
- ✓ The forecast is based on data released by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Quick Summary
Recent data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates a significant shift in the American energy landscape. According to the findings, renewable energy sources and battery storage are projected to provide all net new generating capacity in the year 2026. This forecast follows a period of rapid expansion observed during the first ten months of 2025, where solar and battery storage technologies dominated growth compared to other energy sources.
The analysis, reviewed by the SUN DAY Campaign, highlights the increasing dominance of sustainable energy infrastructure. As the calendar moves toward 2026, the data suggests that traditional fossil fuel expansion may be entirely eclipsed by green energy projects. This trend underscores the accelerating transition within the utility sector, driven by falling costs and policy support for clean energy technologies.
2025 Performance: A Dominant Start
The first ten months of 2025 have set a precedent for energy generation growth in the United States. Data reveals that solar and battery storage have outpaced all competing energy sources during this period. This surge in capacity additions demonstrates the rapid scalability of renewable technologies in the current market.
Growth in the renewable sector has been consistent, with solar installations leading the charge. Battery storage systems have also seen substantial deployment, complementing intermittent solar generation. The combined performance of these technologies suggests a robust pipeline for future energy projects.
The 2026 Forecast 📈
Looking ahead, the US Energy Information Administration has released data projecting the energy mix for the coming year. The forecast indicates that 100% of net new generating capacity in 2026 will be derived from renewable energy and battery storage.
This projection represents a pivotal moment in energy infrastructure development. The absence of new fossil fuel capacity in the net additions suggests a fundamental change in how new power demand is met. The data points toward a future where decarbonization goals are increasingly aligned with actual capacity planning.
Data Analysis and Industry Review
The conclusions regarding future energy capacity are based on official government data. The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) is the primary source of these statistics. The data was specifically reviewed and highlighted by the SUN DAY Campaign, an organization that tracks renewable energy trends.
By relying on EIA figures, the report provides an authoritative look at the trajectory of the U.S. power sector. The collaboration between the government agency and the reviewing organization ensures that the findings reflect current market realities and verified statistical trends.
Implications for the Energy Sector
The forecast for 2026 carries significant implications for the broader energy industry. If renewable energy and batteries account for all net new capacity, it signals a decisive move away from fossil fuel dependency for new power generation. This shift impacts investment strategies, utility planning, and regulatory frameworks.
Key implications include:
- Increased investment in renewable infrastructure
- Reduced reliance on traditional fossil fuel plants
- Enhanced role of battery storage in grid stability
These trends suggest that the transition to a clean energy economy is accelerating faster than many previous models predicted.
