# Energy Sector News: May 30, 2025
## Renewable Energy Growth
**Solar and Battery Storage Leading US Grid Additions**
The U.S. power grid is expected to add 63 gigawatts (GW) of new utility-scale electric-generating capacity in 2025, with solar and battery storage accounting for 81% of the total additions[6]. Solar power alone will make up over 50% of the increase, with Texas (11.6 GW) and California (2.9 GW) accounting for almost half of the new utility-scale solar capacity[6]. Battery storage could set a record in 2025 with 18.2 GW of utility-scale capacity expected to be added to the grid[6].
**Southeast Asia Renewable Energy Expansion**
Southeast Asia and the Pacific region are set to bring 23 gigawatts of new renewable energy capacity online in 2025[4]. Notable projects include a 250-megawatt floating solar array in the Philippines and Acen’s delivery of over 1.2 gigawatts of new renewable energy capacity, including a 520-megawatt solar park in New South Wales, Australia, and the 146-megawatt Monsoon Wind project in Laos[4].
## Energy Policy and Investment
**Trump Administration Energy Policy Developments**
The first 100 days of the Trump administration have seen significant changes in energy policy, including staffing cuts that could impact the renewable energy sector[1]. Permitting reform is expected to be a major focus for the administration in 2025, which could potentially accelerate renewable energy project development[7].
**Record Investment in Energy Supply**
Investment in energy and natural resources supply is projected to reach record levels in 2025, exceeding $1.5 trillion, a 6% increase in real terms[7]. This investment surge comes as governments and companies respond to growing energy demands, particularly from data centers, which are expected to drive approximately 44 GW of additional demand by 2030[3].
## Clean Energy Manufacturing
**US Clean Energy Supply Chain Progress**
Battery and solar manufacturing have seen the strongest growth in both investment and capacity since the Inflation Reduction Act’s enactment[8]. Domestic battery manufacturing capacity for cells and modules now exceeds current deployment levels, while solar module production is on par with current deployment[8]. If all announced and under-construction facilities come online, US electric vehicle production capacity could reach 6.84 million vehicles in 2035—equivalent to 60-67% of projected annual sales[8].
**Interconnection Reforms Taking Effect**
Reforms to address lengthy interconnection processes, which have been major bottlenecks to faster renewables growth, are beginning to show results[7]. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator will be rolling out new automated software processes that will significantly reduce the two to four years previously required to complete interconnection studies[7].