Clean Energy Spending Tracking Toward Record $180 Billion in 2026

The U.S. is on track to witness record $180 billion in clean energy spending by the end of 2026, according to Crux's latest market intelligence report. Despite recent tax law changes, investment in renewable technologies continues to surge, driven by market forces beyond federal control. The renewable energy sector is experiencing a boom, fueled by growing demand from data centers and the artificial intelligence industry, and the need for energy security and affordability.

NextEra Energy CEO John Ketchum highlights the unprecedented period for renewables investment in the U.S. in over two decades.

Meanwhile, battery storage capacity is rapidly expanding to complement the renewable energy buildout, with utility-scale storage reaching 52 gigawatts today. This growth is largely attributed to co-locating batteries with solar photovoltaic plants to exploit price arbitrage. The expansion of battery storage is expected to double by 2030, with the U.S. not alone in this global trend, as China dominates the market with over half of the capacity.

European Union leaders are also prioritizing energy storage to stabilize their energy markets and mitigate future crises.