U.S. developers added 12 GW of utility-scale solar capacity in the first half of 2025, with plans for 21 GW more in the second half, per the U.S. Energy Information Administration. This 64 GW total could exceed the 2002 record of 58 GW, mainly from natural gas.

Texas is expected to introduce 9.7GW of additional solar power in the second half of 2025.

Solar will constitute over half of 2025’s new capacity, reflecting a shift to diverse energy sources. Texas added 3.2 GW (27%) of solar capacity and plans 9.7 GW more, having surpassed California as the top solar state in 2024. Battery storage contributed 5.9 GW (26%) in the first half, with Texas expecting 7 GW for the year. Arizona and California also saw significant storage additions. The U.S. Energy Information Administration stated: “This growth highlights the importance of battery storage when used with renewable energy, helping to balance supply and demand and improve grid stability.”

Only 2 GW of the 8.7 GW planned for retirement in 2025 were decommissioned, with 3.6 GW of coal, oil, and natural gas retirements delayed. Coal will represent 71% of retired capacity, natural gas 19%. Texas’s leadership supports sustainable energy growth and grid reliability.