USA: The United States added nearly 26 GW of new electric generating capacity between January and August 2025, according to the latest Energy Infrastructure Update by Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). This marks a notable increase from roughly 23 GW installed during the same period in 2024 and reflects a power sector undergoing rapid change.

Solar accounted for the largest share of new additions, with 19.09 GW installed across 505 units. The growth is supported by lower photovoltaic costs, improved supply chains and continued investment encouraged by federal incentives. Large projects, including a 517-MW solar and storage facility in Texas and a 280-MW project in Indiana, illustrate how development is expanding beyond traditional solar regions. The rise from 15 GW of solar additions in 2024 to more than 19 GW in 2025 suggests a maturing sector benefiting from faster interconnection processes in several markets.

Wind energy also showed steady progress. The United States added 3.78 GW of new wind capacity from 27 projects, compared with 2.78 GW in the same period last year. Texas remains a key contributor, supported by modern turbine technologies that improve efficiency and reduce maintenance needs. Wind continues to complement solar by providing output during periods when solar generation is lower.

Natural gas additions totalled 3.10 GW from 61 units. Although a smaller share of total new capacity, gas-fired facilities remain important for meeting peak demand and supplying flexible generation. Recent additions, such as projects in Indiana, North Dakota and Texas, reflect a shift toward smaller, fast-responding units rather than large baseload plants.

Looking ahead, FERC expects around 136 GW of “high probability” new capacity through August 2028. Renewables are projected to supply most of this growth, with natural gas remaining a secondary but strategic resource. As renewable deployment accelerates, the ability of the transmission system to integrate new capacity is becoming an increasingly central challenge for planners and regulators.

Source: NZero

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