A record‑breaking buildout is taking shape across the US power sector. According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), developers plan to add 86 GW of utility‑scale generating capacity in 2026, underscoring the rapid transformation of the nation’s power mix. Solar leads the expansion, accounting for 51% of planned additions, followed by battery storage (28%) and wind (14%). If realized, 2026 would build on momentum from 2025, when 53 GW of new capacity (the most since 2002) came online.

Solar remains the growth engine, with 43.4 GW of new capacity planned, a 60% year‑over‑year increase. Texas alone represents 40% of planned solar additions, with other states following, Arizona (6%), California (6%), and Michigan (5%).

Battery storage is also scaling quickly, with 24 GW planned – more than half located in Texas – reflecting its growing role in grid reliability. New Mexico, Texas, Illinois, and Wyoming together are expected to deliver nearly 60% of all new US wind capacity added in 2026.

Source: EIA – Preliminary Monthly Electric Generator Inventory