APPA Report: U.S. Energy Development Holds Steady with 468,582 MW in Progress
A new report by the American Public Power Association (APPA) reveals that 468,582 megawatts (MW) of new electricity generation capacity is under development in the U.S., matching the scale of the past two years. This includes:
- 143,247 MW under construction or permitted
- 325,335 MW proposed or pending application
Solar energy leads development, making up 55% of new capacity, followed by wind (26%) and natural gas (11%). However, most wind projects remain in early, uncertain stages, and fewer are progressing compared to solar. Notably, wind projects are down 22%, while natural gas projects are up 58% from the previous year.
In 2024:
- Over 30,000 MW of solar came online (a 30% increase)
- Nearly 11,000 MW of energy storage was added (a 62% increase)
- 37,003 MW of new capacity was added, while 7,192 MW was retired (mostly coal)
Despite solar’s growth, it also saw the most cancellations (43% of 38,000 MW canceled). Coal remains the second-largest source of capacity (15%) but continues to decline, with over 83,000 MW retired since 2017 and 56,000 MW more planned for retirement by 2029.
Most new capacity (88%) is being developed by nonutility generators, with public power projects making up less than 2% of the pipeline.
