A new energy policy is emerging in the U.S. with Donald Trump's entry into the White House, as he clearly leans toward fossil fuels. At the time of this shift, renewables have shown a resurgence, with solar energy leading this growth. 684g72

In an exclusive interview with Review Energy, Dave Jones, lead analyst at Ember, delved into the findings of the highly anticipated US Electricity 2025 Special Report. This marks the first full-year analysis of U.S. electricity data, published by the U.S. Energy Information istration (EIA) on February 26.

In this conversation, Jones not only shared key insights on the current state of the U.S. energy sector but also painted a picture of the trends and challenges that lie ahead, all while providing a glimpse into the complex future of the country’s energy transition.

As Jones discussed the emerging opportunities and hurdles, it became clear that the energy landscape in the U.S. is in the midst of significant transformation. This shift is happening against a backdrop of political uncertainty, especially with the reemergence of Donald Trump in the White House—a leader with a clear preference for fossil fuels, a stance that has complicated the country’s move toward renewable energy.

Solar energy: A bright future amidst global challenges 142s4k

One of the standout findings from Ember’s report is the impressive growth of solar energy in the U.S., which saw a 27% increase in 2024, suring hydropower and representing 81% of all new installed capacity.

This growth is no small feat. As Jones pointed out, "The U.S. is rapidly increasing its manufacturing capacity for both solar s and batteries, making it much less dependent on imports."

In an era where global trade tensions have made international supply chains more volatile, this shift toward domestic production is particularly significant. In fact, the report notes that U.S. solar imports no longer come from China due to tariffs on Chinese solar s. Instead, solar products are sourced from Southeast Asia, a move that has been crucial for the U.S. to remain competitive in the global clean energy market, as it scales up its own domestic industry.

Yet, despite the impressive strides in solar energy, the pace of growth in the wind sector has been less dramatic. Wind energy, particularly onshore, has faced numerous challenges in recent years. However, Jones remains optimistic, noting that offshore wind has the potential to be the next big area of growth for the U.S., similar to the successful expansion of offshore wind in northwestern Europe and parts of East Asia. That said, the Trump istration’s stance on renewable energy has presented significant barriers for offshore wind projects, leaving the industry in a difficult position.

Meeting growing demand in an electrified world 3i1d6s

The report also highlights the accelerating trend of electrification in the U.S. As electric vehicles (EVs), electric heating, and other electrified systems become more widespread, the demand for electricity is on the rise. According to Jones, the growing role of solar in meeting this demand is a clear indication of the future direction of U.S. energy. “Last year, solar generation covered more of the rise in demand in the U.S. than gas,” he explained.

Looking ahead, Jones is confident that solar energy, when paired with battery storage, is poised to meet nearly all of the rising electricity demand in the country. “Solar with batteries is poised to meet nearly all of the rising electricity demand in the U.S.", he emphasized, underscoring the importance of energy storage in making renewables more reliable and accessible.

Navigating uncertainty in the energy transition 382fd

Despite the significant strides being made in renewable energy, Jones acknowledged that the path forward is not without its challenges. The most pressing issue, he argues, is uncertainty. "Uncertainty is the biggest obstacle," Jones remarked, pointing to the ongoing fears among clean energy companies about potential policy shifts. "Many clean energy companies are faced with tough decisions on whether to reduce investments, fearing changes in policies and laws, or to stay the course."

Nevertheless, Jones remains hopeful about the future. "The fundamentals of cost and efficiency favor clean energy," he said. "Companies must have the courage to stay committed, even in the face of uncertainty. The transition to cleaner energy is inevitable".