The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that a record 86 GW of utility-scale generating capacity is projected for addition to the US grid in 2026 (EIA report, 20/02/2026). This would surpass the 53 GW added in 2025, marking the largest single-year increase since 2002. Solar would account for 51% of these additions (43.4 GW), followed by battery storage at 28% (24.3 GW) and wind at 14% (11.8 GW).
Key details from the report:
- Solar: Developers are planning to add 43.4 GW of new utility-scale solar capacity in 2026, a 60% increase over 2025, if the projections materialize. "We expect 2026 to be another big year for solar additions, similar to the record utility-scale solar capacity added to the US grid in 2024 (30.8 GW) and in 2025 (27.2 GW)”, according to the IEA.
- Battery storage: Developers plan to add 24 GW, up from a record 15 GW in 2025. US battery capacity has grown exponentially over the past five years, exceeding 40 GW total. Three states dominate 2026 plans (80% of additions): Texas (53%, or 12.9 GW), California (14%, or 3.4 GW), and Arizona (13%, or 3.2 GW).
- Wind: After slowing from peaks above 14 GW in 2020-2021, additions are set to rise with 11.8 GW planned, more than double 2025 levels.
- Natural gas: Developers plan 6.3 GW of new capacity, including 3.3 GW of combined-cycle and 2.8 GW of combustion turbine units.
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