Weekly Briefing: U.S. set to deploy record-breaking clean energy in 2026
Feb. 25, 2026
Source: EIA.gov
A new report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects a record-shattering 86 gigawatts (GW) of new power generation will be added to the grid in 2026.
That’s a lot of growth, but here’s the most exciting part: Half of that is expected to be solar, and nearly 80% solar and storage. In fact, solar and storage alone will add 28% more capacity than all U.S. grid additions in 2025.
“I suspect a lot of this [additional solar power] is from solar projects rushing to qualify for the tax credits before they're eliminated,” said CCL Research Manager Dana Nuccitelli in a recent post analyzing the news on CCL Community. “That should carry over through the next couple of years since they have to ‘begin construction’ by the Fourth of July 2026 to qualify, but then it can take a couple of years to complete construction.”
Additionally, despite wind energy project cancellations over the past year, wind is expected to rebound a bit in 2026 as a handful of major offshore wind projects are scheduled to come online this year.
“Overall, a record amount of new power generation, 93% of which will be clean,” concluded Dana.
With numbers like these, the importance of permitting reform becomes even clearer. To reap the benefits of clean energy and get emissions down, we need to get clean power online faster. Bipartisan permitting reform legislation can speed up the process for clean energy projects already waiting to be built and connected to the grid.
Read Dana’s full analysis of the good news and add your thoughts over on CCL Community’s Nerd Corner 🤓
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Take action this week
If you have a little time: Email Congress asking to keep any new EV and hybrid fees fair. Congress is crafting and debating the next Highway Bill reauthorization package, and it will likely include a federal fee for EV and hybrid drivers. We need EVs and hybrids to remain an affordable, clean transportation option. If you haven’t already, ask your members of Congress to keep any new EV and hybrid fee fair compared to the current gas tax. If you’ve already emailed, invite a concerned friend or family member to do the same.If you have more time: Promote the Conservative Conference in your community. Registration is officially open for CCL’s Virtual Conservative Conference & Lobby Day this April 18 and 21. This event for CCL’s right-of-center climate advocates provides a chance to link up with the broader eco-right movement, learn about climate and clean energy policy, and lobby Congress to pass it. There are few opportunities for right-of-center environmentalists to come together, which is what makes this annual conference so special. Think about groups or people in your wider network who may be a fit and pass on the registration link.
Featured chapter: CCL Chicago
By Mine Karatas, CCL Communications internCCL Chicago recently held a unique event bringing people together to sing climate karaoke!
Around 15 members of the chapter bundled up and ventured out to Lincoln Karaoke in Chicago on January 22 to sing their hearts out and connect with one another.
As they chose hits to belt out, their mission was to pick songs loosely linked to climate change for a fun sing-off.
On the playlist were “All I Wanna Do (is have a livable climate)” by Sheryl Crow and Bruce Springsteen’s Thunder Road, envisaging the Boss driving an EV on an epic road trip.
CCL’s climate work can feel heavy, and that’s why it’s important to make time for lighter moments of connection.
“Over the years, I have heard the opinion that activities that are not directly related to our work are a waste of time. But our chapter continues to grow by ensuring we are an enjoyable group to spend time with," says Illinois State Coordinator Alex Marianyi. “We've nearly doubled the number of people we've brought to D.C. to lobby each of the last two years. Planning these kinds of events is definitely worth our time.”
In addition to events like this, CCL Chicago members conduct outreach at community events and connect through activities like gardening and movie nights.
Where do we sign up?
Want to read more? See CCL’s Chicago's blog post about the event here.
Upcoming trainings
2/26: Geothermal Action Team event with Fervo Energy - CCL’s Geothermal Action team invites you to an exclusive conversation with Fervo Energy co-founder and CEO Tim Latimer. In the coming months, Fervo Energy will bring online the first 100 megawatts of its pathbreaking 500-megawatt project—the largest enhanced geothermal power plant in the world. Hear how the Fervo team built on decades of geothermal research and oil-and-gas expertise to achieve breakthroughs that put gigawatts of clean, firm power within immediate reach and accelerate the clean energy transition. Join us!2/26: The Six Moral Foundations: Understanding Others by Understanding Yourself - This training will take a deeper dive into CCL's BRIDGE Training #2 and explore how Moral Foundations Theory helps us better understand the values that shape how people interpret climate solutions and public policy. We’ll cover why people can care deeply about the same world—but prioritize different values and practice noticing which moral values may be shaping a conversation and learn how to communicate in ways that resonate across political and cultural differences. Come ready to reflect, practice, and expand your toolkit for engaging across differences. Join us!
3/5: Transmission Reform and Key Messages (CCL Permitting Reform Series) - America's old and outdated power grid has become a critical bottleneck preventing the country from adding the needed new clean energy sources that will reduce climate pollution while improving energy affordability and security. Join CCL's VP of Government Affairs Jenn Tyler and Research Manager Dana Nuccitelli to learn about why transmission reforms are a crucial climate solution, the details of potential transmission permitting reform provisions, and key messages for congressional offices. Join us!
To see other events and CCL trainings, visit the Training Topics page of CCL Community.
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