## Key Energy Sector News Stories – June 12, 2025
**U.S. Solar and Energy Storage Surge in 2025**
The U.S. is expected to add 63 gigawatts (GW) of new utility-scale electric-generating capacity this year, with solar and battery storage accounting for 81% of these additions. Texas and California are leading in new solar installations, while significant energy storage deployments are reinforcing grid reliability and supporting renewable integration[6][5].
**Renewable Generation to Surpass Coal Globally**
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), 2025 marks the year when renewables-based electricity generation will overtake coal-fired generation worldwide. This shift is underpinned by rapid solar and wind expansion in China, the European Union, and the United States, driven by ambitious policy targets and continued cost declines[8].
**U.S. Natural Gas-Fired Capacity Grows, Coal Declines**
Developers plan to build 4.4 GW of new natural gas-fired capacity in the U.S. in 2025, mostly in Utah, Louisiana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Tennessee. Notably, the Intermountain Power Project in Utah will replace 1,800 MW of retiring coal-fired capacity with 840 MW of new natural gas generation, reflecting a broader trend of coal-to-gas conversions[6].
**Innovation in Solar and Storage Technologies**
Advancements in solar cell efficiency, including perovskite and tandem technologies, as well as long-duration energy storage, are poised to further boost renewable integration and grid flexibility. These innovations are supported by ongoing government incentives and growing demand from both commercial and residential customers[7].
**Regulatory and Policy Developments in the U.S.**
Federal and state-level policies, including expanded tax credits and clean transition tariffs for commercial and industrial customers, are accelerating renewable energy project financing and deployment. Regulatory guidance on green hydrogen tax credits is anticipated, with potential changes depending on new federal administration priorities[1][7].
**Global and Regional Policy Momentum**
In addition to U.S. policies, China’s 14th Five-Year Plan and the European Union’s REPowerEU and Green Deal Industrial Plans are spurring record renewable investments and capacity additions, further shaping the global energy transition landscape[8].
—
These stories highlight the accelerating transition to renewable energy, the supporting role of advanced storage and grid technologies, and the influence of evolving regulatory frameworks in shaping the energy sector in June 2025.