Year-to-date clean power installations reached 19 GW by mid-2024, more than double the five-year average for the first half of the year. With clean power additions typically stronger in the second half of the year, 2024 is poised to be another record-breaking year for US clean energy growth.

Source: American Clean Power Association (A)

The new leader

Texas has emerged as the nation’s new leader in utility-scale solar capacity, overtaking California for the first time. The state added 1,656 megawatts (MW) of solar power in Q2 2024, bringing its total operating solar capacity to an impressive 21,932 MW.

The US energy storage sector also reached a major milestone, suring 20 GW of total operational capacity. With an additional 2.9 GW installed in the second quarter, the total now stands at 21.6 GW, reinforcing the critical role of storage in balancing the growing renewable energy mix.

The clean power pipeline saw annual growth of 13% compared to the previous year, with substantial expansions anticipated in offshore wind over the coming months. This growing pipeline indicates the sector’s strong potential for further expansion.

The power of wind

Onshore wind projects are also on the rise, with 5.5 GW more under construction by mid-2024 compared to the same point in 2023. The total volume of onshore wind projects now under construction exceeds 14 GW, highlighting a resurgence in this sector.

Offshore wind set new records in Q2 2024, with more than 4 GW of capacity currently under construction—the highest volume in U.S. history—further underscoring the nation's growing commitment to clean energy.

Poised for another record year in 2024

As the US clean power industry enters the second half of 2024, the outlook suggests potential for another record-breaking year. With more than 283 gigawatts (GW) of clean power now in operation—enough to supply nearly 70 million homes—the sector continues to be a driving force in transforming and modernizing the nation’s energy generation.

"Clean energy is answering the call to unleash more American energy, with another record quarter of deployment. While all clean energy technologies are expanding their market share, energy storage is scaling at a stunning speed and has sured 20 GW of operating capacity," said A CEO Jason Grumet. "With rapidly growing demand and the need to make significant strides in decarbonizing our economy, the stakes are high. Our recent progress is encouraging, but we are not moving fast enough. A is committed to working with all stakeholders and policymakers to accelerate progress toward a secure, reliable, and clean energy future."