Clean Power Installations Hit Record Levels in 2025

Clean power growth remains strong, but slower deal-making could affect future rural energy and land-use opportunities.

cow behind fence wind turbine in the background Sustainability_Adobe Stock.png

Adobe Stock

LUBBOCK, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — U.S. clean power developers posted a record year in 2025, even as policy setbacks and investor uncertainty began to build. A report from the American Clean Power Association said utility-scale solar, wind, and battery storage additions topped 50 gigawatts for the year, the first time annual deployment has cleared that mark.

The fourth quarter alone accounted for 18.6 gigawatts of new capacity. The report said that was enough to push the annual total to 50,344 megawatts, up 3 percent from 2024, and to power more than 6.9 million homes.

Storage was one of the strongest segments. Installations ran 41 percent above the previous record year, and the storage development pipeline continued to expand, indicating that demand remains strong despite policy questions ahead.

The longer-term pipeline still grew to 187,514 megawatts, but the pace slowed. The report said power purchase agreement announcements fell 27 percent from a year earlier, raising concern about weaker project deployment in the 2028 to 2030 window.

The report also said clean power projects are now operating in all 50 states. Nineteen states increased capacity by more than 20 percent in 2025, with Kentucky posting one of the biggest jumps.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Clean power growth remains strong, but slower deal-making could affect future rural energy and land-use opportunities.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Related Stories
Stronger fuel demand supports corn usage despite a steady production pace.
Biofuel and corn producers await proposal as Renewable Fuels Association pushes for expanded ethanol access.
Fuel costs ease over the long term, but fertilizer energy remains volatile.
Adequate transportation capacity exists, but fuel costs and soft river demand could widen basis risk.
Lower oil prices may trim input costs but pressure biofuel demand.
Cold-driven spikes in gas prices can quickly raise fertilizer and energy costs.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Policy clarity will determine the trajectory of soybean crush demand, but producers in Kansas have shown that expanding local crush capacity strengthens basis and marketing options.
Corn and soybean shipments continue to move at a steady pace as spring trade flows develop.
Growing milk supply may pressure prices ahead.
Bigger flocks are rebuilding egg and poultry supply.
Tight supplies are driving stronger early-year cattle prices.
Tony Adkins with Specialty Risk Insurance addresses current market challenges for farmers and ranchers and offers strategies to help producers navigate risk.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.