US solar targets a ‘challenge’ – Wood Mackenzie
Industry faces headwinds including supply chain tariffs and rising commodity prices
The Biden administration's plan to produce up to 45pc of US electricity from solar power by 2050 is a “stiff challenge” for the domestic solar industry, according to Michelle Davis, principal analyst on consultancy Wood Mackenzie’s solar team. Solar currently contributes c.4pc to US grid supply. The 45pc goal was released in the US Department of Energy’s (DoE) Solar Futures Study report in September using modelling by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Biden has set a goal of achieving a net-zero power sector by 2035. “We certainly agree with NREL’s study that capacity additions need to double and then quadruple in the next decade to meet these clean energy targets,” says Davi
Also in this section
9 January 2026
A shift in perspective is needed on the carbon challenge, the success of which will determine the speed and extent of emissions cuts and how industries adapt to the new environment
2 January 2026
This year may be a defining one for carbon capture, utilisation and storage in the US, despite the institutional uncertainty
23 December 2025
Legislative reform in Germany sets the stage for commercial carbon capture and transport at a national level, while the UK has already seen financial close on major CCS clusters
15 December 2025
Net zero is not the problem for the UK’s power system. The real issue is with an outdated market design in desperate need of modernisation






