Data reveals that US electricity developers are planning substantial increases in natural gas and hydroelectric power capacity while scaling back plans for new solar and wind energy facilities. According to Global Energy Monitor (GEM), US power developers have slightly over 114,000 megawatts (MW) of natural gas capacity either under construction or in pre-construction phases as of mid-2025. This figure represents more than double the planned capacity from a year ago.

GEM data shows that natural gas power plants constitute the largest single electricity source among all generation facilities currently under construction or in preliminary development stages. Compared to a year ago, developers have also significantly increased planned capacity for hydroelectric and nuclear power while reducing planned generation capacity for solar and wind energy.

The dramatic shift in planned power generation capacity structure highlights the impact of sudden changes in federal energy policy following Donald Trump's return to the White House.

**Natural Gas and Hydroelectric Power Become Favored Options**

Currently, natural gas power plants account for approximately 46% of US operational electricity capacity and 36% of capacity under construction and in pre-construction phases. About 16,300 MW of natural gas capacity is currently under construction, with approximately 98,000 MW in pre-construction stages, meaning sites have been identified and relevant permits have been applied for.

US utility companies are also constructing or planning approximately 36,000 MW of new hydroelectric capacity and nearly 8,000 MW of nuclear capacity. These power sources share an important common attribute: they can all be dispatched on command by utility companies to balance system electricity demand.

The total dispatchable power capacity currently being developed stands at 159,000 MW, compared to approximately 57,000 MW during the same period last year.

**Solar and Wind Power Face Challenges**

The significant increase in planned dispatchable power capacity contrasts sharply with the reduction in planned renewable energy capacity. Renewable energy sources are also known as intermittent power because they only generate electricity when there is sufficient sunlight or wind.

Solar capacity currently under construction or in pre-construction phases totals 92,000 MW, down from 112,000 MW during the same period in 2024. Wind power capacity currently being developed is approximately 65,000 MW, down from about 74,000 MW a year ago.

Overall, renewable energy capacity currently under construction stands at 155,000 MW, down from 186,000 MW a year ago.

The notable reduction in planned renewable energy capacity is partly due to some previously planned capacity now being operational. Other factors include increasingly long wait times for new generation facilities to connect to local power grids, and rising costs for components and raw materials, particularly those needed for wind farms.

The Trump administration's significant cuts to future tax credits and subsidies have also led to the cancellation of some renewable energy projects, especially in states where grid connection wait times are already lengthy.

**Clean Energy Will Play a Larger Role**

Once construction and preliminary work is completed, natural gas generation capacity will account for 44% of the entire US electricity system, more than double any other power source. After the current construction boom ends, coal's capacity share will be surpassed by wind and solar energy.

Currently, coal accounts for approximately 15% of total operational capacity, wind accounts for 12%, and solar accounts for 10%. Upon completion, wind and solar will each represent 14%, while coal generation's share will decline to approximately 12%.

As renewable energy generation capacity expands, clean energy's share of the electricity mix will increase from the current 39% to 44% upon completion. This means that while the US electricity system will still rely primarily on natural gas for power generation, clean energy will also occupy a substantial portion and will play a key role in emissions reduction efforts.