Warning: 73GW of US solar projects may face widespread political "stalling".

A recent analysis by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) reveals that a total of 116 GW ofsolar and Energy Storage projects may face risks due to political instability.

Data compiled by the solar industry organization discloses that more than 500 power projects planned for construction in the U.S. by 2030 may be threatened by political obstacles, representing nearly half of the planned new generating capacity.

SEIA states that during this period of "rapid growth" in electricity demand, the U.S. government is "using every means to slow down the progress of solar and energy storage projects." Solar and other Clean Energy technologies are facing increasingly strong political headwinds from the Trump administration, with the so-called "Big Beauty Act" passed this summer narrowing the scope of tax incentives introduced by the previous administration. This is despite the fact that solar and energy storage are widely regarded as the fastest way to cope with the surge in electricity demand from artificial intelligence, data centers, and manufacturing.

Based on an analysis of data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), SEIA points out that 73 GW of solar projects and 43 GW of planned energy storage projects have not yet obtained all the necessary federal, state, and local permits, and therefore face the risk of being "stagnant." [The article then includes a separate, unrelated statement: "Sue the Trump administration!"] The association "illegally" cancels $7 billion universal Solar Power plan. The association points out that over 50% of planned power generation capacity in 18 states is at risk of being blocked. Many of these states, including Texas, Virginia, Arizona, and Nevada, are expected to be major drivers of data center growth nationwide. In Texas, for example, over 44 GW of solar and storage projects are at risk between now and 2030, accounting for nearly 40% of all at-risk projects nationwide.

In a statement, SEIA said, "Despite the government's declaration of an 'energy emergency,' it is still hindering the grid connection of nearly half of planned power projects. The U.S. solar and storage industry is ready to build, saving consumers money and enhancing grid stability—we just need Washington to clear the obstacles." SEIA points out that a series of actions taken by the federal government—including tightening federal licensing regulations, canceling grid upgrade programs, and creating uncertainty in the energy market—are leading to project cancellations or significant delays. It's worth noting that one of the largest solar projects in the U.S., the 6.2GW Esmerelda project in Nevada, was aborted last month when the Bureau of Land Management terminated its environmental assessment (a crucial step in the permitting process).

SEIA emphasizes: "Under Washington's newly established energy approval bureaucracy, projects of all sizes are stalled. This situation extends far beyond projects on public land—many solar and storage projects, wholly or partially located on private land, are now facing multiple layers of federal scrutiny." The industry organization reveals that many developers, despite obtaining local zoning approvals, completing environmental assessments, and working closely with surrounding communities, are unable to proceed with construction because federal agency consultations are still required before projects can begin.

SEIA criticized this, stating, "This federal overreach erodes private property rights and local decision-making autonomy, allowing Washington bureaucrats to intervene in projects voluntarily supported by landowners and communities. It sends a chilling signal to landowners, farmers, ranchers, and private investors that the federal government can halt projects at any time, even if all rules are followed. Such federal red tape also undermines the energy security and policy certainty that businesses need to plan for the future."