The article discusses the impact of extreme weather events on the electricity grid in the central United States, leading to longer and more consequential power outages as climate change intensifies. Counties with higher social vulnerability experienced more power outages, emphasizing the impact of social factors on outage burden. The analysis underscores the need for intentional resilience investments, such as community microgrids and decentralized energy systems, to reduce the impact of outages during extreme weather events. The data confirms the urgent need to address climate issues and points to where efforts should begin, prioritizing resilience and addressing inequities in grid design for the safety and stability of communities in the face of a hotter, stormier future.
Author: Blog.ucs
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2025 Energy Year in Review: Solar and Storage Shine Through, Despite It All
In 2025, despite challenges from the Trump administration, clean energy in the United States showed significant progress. The US solar sector saw record-breaking installations, with Texas leading the way followed by California and Indiana. Solar generation and manufacturing capacity also experienced substantial growth. Energy storage installations increased by over 50%, with Texas, California, and Arizona leading the way. Overall, 2025 is projected to be the biggest year for clean power deployment in history, showcasing the potential of clean energy technologies in transforming electricity markets across the country. Solar is expected to overtake coal in some states, with commitments to clean energy goals from states like Maine and California. Affordability concerns are driving more people to recognize the benefits of solar and wind power, with decision makers and advocates pushing for policies to accelerate the transition to clean energy. Innovation, economies of scale, and international progress are making clean energy more attractive, highlighting the possibilities and long-term benefits of a clean energy economy.