Utility-scale solar project delays have declined this quarter, with only 20% of planned projects reporting scheduling issues compared to 25% last year, reports the Energy Information Administration. Solar continues to dominate capacity additions in the US. The industry added 31 gigawatts of utility-scale capacity in 2024 and is expected to add another 32 GW from October 2025 through September 2026. The decrease in delays may indicate a stabilizing market.

Changes to federal permitting and tax credits under the Trump administration could put two-thirds of solar and battery storage projects in Texas at risk, reports the Solar Energy Industries Association. It estimates that more than 13 gigawatts of planned projects may not be completed in 2026, with that figure swelling to 22.5 GW in 2027. "Political attacks on solar and storage are putting half of all power planned to come onto the grid this decade at risk, just as electricity demand from AI is exploding," said SEIA's Abigail Ross Hopper.

One early positive outcome from COP30 is that billions of dollars have been pledged for grid modernization and energy storage projects around the world. The Utilities for Net Zero Alliance pledged to deploy $148 billion annually, contributing to a $1 trillion pipeline for grid and energy storage projects. Multilateral donors, including the Asian Development Bank, World Bank Group, and ASEAN, announced over $12 billion in investment, while philanthropic initiatives like the Global Grids Catalyst set out plans to mobilize millions more.

Many COP30 attendees are wearing "Bam!" badges indicating support for a new proposal -- the Belem Action Mechanism. The initiative is championing a just transition and will work with countries to ensure workers and communities receive support amid the shift to a lower-carbon future. Many nations have expressed support for a "just transition mechanism," including China, the G77 and the Philippines.

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence is driving enormous demand for clean, reliable electricity, with tech giants and utilities racing to expand zero-carbon power. However, some experts are discussing whether AI-driven demand is a bubble and, if so, what that means for both AI and clean energy. Advait Arun from the Center for Public Enterprise offers insight into the trend and how clean energy can prepare for a potential AI bubble scenario.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is expected to slow the pace of clean energy deployment by repealing or modifying many tax credits originally established under the Inflation Reduction Act, but tax and energy policy experts say other factors will help the industry continue to move forward. Market fundamentals, such as continued corporate demand, and the cost-competitiveness of solar energy, remain growth drivers. New Foreign Entity of Concern rules remain a concern, but industry experts are pushing for timely guidance as the rules take effect in 2026.

The Colorado Energy Office has allocated $7.3 million to geothermal heating and cooling projects in Denver, Colorado Springs, Vail and Steamboat Springs, using funds from the Colorado Geothermal Energy Tax Credit Offering. "We are seeing growing interest in geothermal heating and cooling across the state, not only to help us achieve our climate goals but also to reduce energy costs and improve indoor air quality," says Colorado Energy Office Executive Director Will Toor.