As President Trump aims to curb the growth of wind and solar power while promoting fossil fuel production in the United States, the renewable energy industry is making a case for its necessity. Developers are emphasizing America’s growing demand for electricity, driven by the boom in data centers, and the difficulties in constructing enough new gas plants to meet the nation’s increasing power needs. Wind, solar, and battery storage are argued to be quicker and less expensive to build, which could help avoid energy shortages and keep prices lower.
Some Republican leaders in Congress, however, are considering ending federal subsidies for low-carbon electricity, which could hinder the United States’ efforts to reduce planet-warming emissions, despite the escalating risks from climate change. The renewable energy industry is now framing itself as essential for achieving U.S. energy abundance and meeting future energy demands, as the country’s electricity demand is expected to increase by up to 50% over the next 15 years due to factors such as artificial intelligence and electric cars.
While data centers require constant power, which wind and solar power alone cannot provide, renewable companies argue that their projects can be completed quickly compared to new gas power plants. Additionally, the cost of building new gas power plants has nearly tripled, while wind and solar prices have increased only modestly. Renewable energy advocates also suggest that the intermittent nature of renewables can be balanced with other components of the electric system.
Some tech companies have spoken out in support of renewables, stating that they offer the most cost-competitive option. However, there are concerns about an overreliance on renewable energy and potential new challenges it could pose to electric utilities. A recent study commissioned by a conservative environmental group estimated that repealing tax credits for renewable energy sources could lead to a rise in U.S. electricity costs.
Despite the skepticism towards renewables from some Trump administration officials, there is hope that the attacks on wind and solar power will diminish as the need for more electricity becomes more apparent. Advocates for renewable energy believe that once the economics come into focus, there will be a truly all-of-the-above energy policy.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/17/climate/renewable-energy-trump-electricity.html
