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US renewable power capacity is projected to more than double to 1.06 terawatts (TW) by 2035, according to a new forecast from GlobalData, highlighting the continued dominance of renewables in future electricity generation despite policy and cost headwinds.

The US currently has around 414.5 gigawatts (GW) of renewable capacity as of 2024. Growth is being driven primarily by state-level clean energy mandates, utility procurement programs, and sustained corporate power purchase agreement (PPA) activity, particularly from technology, manufacturing, and data center operators.

Solar power is expected to lead capacity additions, rising from approximately 231.4 GW in 2024 to 737.8 GW by 2035. Expansion is supported by distributed generation policies, net metering frameworks, and large-scale utility contracts across markets such as Texas, California, and the Midwest. Onshore wind capacity is forecast to increase from 156 GW to nearly 269 GW over the same period.

In contrast, offshore wind development has faced mounting uncertainty since 2025 following federal interventions, project suspensions, and the cancellation of funding for port and logistics infrastructure. Several major Atlantic coast projects remain on hold, delaying near-term offshore capacity growth.

Meanwhile, natural gas capacity is projected to grow modestly from 573.1 GW to 620.9 GW, while nuclear capacity is expected to edge up from 97 GW to around 102 GW, reflecting continued focus on energy security and firm generation.

Despite rising costs linked to trade tariffs and supply chain pressures, renewables are expected to remain the primary driver of US power sector growth through 2035.

Source: globaldata.com