# Energy Sector News Highlights – June 4, 2025
## Power Plant Operations Extended to Prevent Blackouts
The U.S. Department of Energy has ordered Pennsylvania’s Eddystone power plant to continue operating until at least August 28, 2025, despite Constellation Energy’s plans to shut it down on June 1. This is the Trump administration’s second recent use of federal power to keep aging plants running, following a similar order for Michigan’s J.H. Campbell coal-fired plant, as PJM Interconnection faces growing concerns about power shortfalls amid rising electricity demand for artificial intelligence, crypto mining, and manufacturing[6]. Environmental groups like the Delaware Riverkeeper Network have criticized the decision as an “environmental injustice” that will continue hazardous pollution and carbon emissions[6].
## Solar and Energy Storage Growth Accelerates
The U.S. power grid is expected to add 63 gigawatts of new utility-scale electric-generating capacity in 2025, with solar power accounting for nearly 49 GW of this growth—enough to power more than 35 million homes. Texas leads with over 12 GW of planned solar capacity, followed by the MISO region (8 GW) and PJM Interconnection area (6+ GW), driven by falling panel prices, government incentives, and increasing clean energy demand from businesses and households[5]. Battery storage is also experiencing record growth, with residential solar attachment rates expected to reach 25% in 2025[7].
## Renewable Energy Set to Overtake Coal Generation
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), 2025 will mark a significant milestone as renewables-based electricity generation is projected to surpass coal-fired generation globally. This transition is part of a broader transformation of the global power mix, with wind and solar power each expected to exceed nuclear generation by 2026[4]. China continues to lead in renewable electricity capacity additions with almost 350 GW added in 2023, while the European Union is accelerating solar PV and wind deployment in response to the energy crisis[4].
## Upcoming Energy Sector Events
Several major energy conferences are scheduled for June 2025, including the Energy Projects Conference at Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center (June 11-12), which will bring together 3,000+ professionals to explore major energy projects, technologies, and solutions[3]. Other notable events include the International Conference on Application of Renewable Energy and Environmental Development in Toronto (June 27-28)[1].