Trump Administration Halts Approval and Funding for Wind and Solar Projects
The Trump administration announced it will no longer approve new wind or solar power projects on federal lands, requiring all permits to receive personal sign-off from Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, while terminating investment and production tax credits for renewables by 2027 and boosting tariffs on steel and aluminum used in solar and wind installations[5]. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also announced it will end funding for wind and solar projects on farmland and restrict the use of foreign-made solar panels in USDA programs, further slashing incentives for renewables in agricultural areas[7].
EU Solar Surpasses All Other Sources, Leading Power Mix for First Time
In June 2025, solar energy provided 22% of the European Union’s electricity, surpassing all other sources—including gas and coal—for the first time and marking a major milestone in the region’s clean energy transition[1].
IRS Restricts Renewable Construction Methods for Wind and Solar Projects
The IRS issued Notice 2025-42, restricting the use of the 5% Safe Harbor method for establishing the beginning of construction for wind and solar projects to facilities with outputs no greater than 1.5 MW, impacting new larger projects that have not started construction before September 2, 2025[8]. Existing projects and other clean energy technologies, such as battery storage and nuclear, are not directly affected.
World Bank Supports Türkiye’s Power Transmission Expansion for Renewables
The World Bank approved a €625 million loan to Türkiye for its Transforming Power Transmission System Project, enabling modernization and expansion of the grid to integrate large-scale solar and wind generation[4]. This supports Türkiye’s goal of 120 GW renewable capacity by 2035 and aligns with its net-zero emissions target for 2053.
Over Half of New US Electric Generation Capacity in 2025 Will Be Solar
In 2025, more than 50% of new U.S. electric generating capacity additions are expected to come from solar power, reflecting continued growth in renewables despite regulatory headwinds[3].
Interior Department Centralizes Permitting and Ends Fee Discounts for Renewables
The Department of the Interior announced that all wind and solar permits require the personal approval of Secretary Doug Burgum and eliminated longstanding fee discounts for these projects, creating new regulatory hurdles and increasing costs for developers