A report from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission shows solar dominates new energy generation nationally, but headwinds strengthen. 

A new report from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission shows that between January and April 2025, the U.S. added about 12 gigawatts (GW) of new electricity generation capacity—up from 11 GW during the same period in 2024. Solar power led the way, accounting for nearly 9.5 GW of that growth, followed by 2 GW from wind and just 500 megawatts from natural gas. Looking ahead to 2028, FERC projections indicate continued strong growth in clean energy, with approximately 90 GW of solar and 23 GW of wind expected, as well as nearly 20 GW of new gas capacity.

However, solar’s momentum may slow due to recent federal policy changes. The federal Big Beautiful Bill rolls back some clean energy tax incentives and tightens which technologies qualify for them. Despite this, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects solar generation to rise by a third this summer and predicts solar will surpass wind as the top renewable source by 2026. Natural gas is facing challenges from higher fuel costs and supply delays, and EIA projects a short-term dip in gas generation this year. At the same time, federal regulators expect around 24 GW of coal and 14 GW of gas power to be retired by 2028.

Read the full report. 

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At the 2025 MACo Summer Conference general session, “Powering Maryland: What’s Next for the State’s Energy Future?” panelists will break down the outcomes of the 2025 General Assembly Session and explore what counties need to know as Maryland charts its energy future.