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
More than 1,100 residents and farmers have signed a letter urging Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins to step in, saying the proposal threatens irrigation supplies and long-term farm viability in the region.
December 23, 2025 11:37 AM
·
With record grain harvests and rising global ethanol demand, leaders across the ag and energy sectors are pushing for year-round E15 sales to mitigate the strain on grain trade.
December 22, 2025 02:45 PM
·
Stronger rail movement and lower fuel prices are easing logistics, even as export pace and river conditions remain uneven.
December 22, 2025 02:12 PM
·
NRECA CEO Jim Matheson reacts to the U.S. House’s passage of the SPEED Act, which aims to streamline federal permitting for energy and infrastructure projects, and discusses its potential impact on rural communities.
December 19, 2025 01:14 PM
·
Callahan is no stranger to agricultural trade and has been with the U.S. Trade Representative’s office since 2016.
December 19, 2025 11:53 AM
·
Record ethanol production, coupled with stronger demand, supports corn use despite tighter margins elsewhere.
December 18, 2025 02:32 PM
·
