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EIA Estimates Record U.S. Electric Generating Capacity Additions in 2026, with Solar in the Lead

LCG, February 20, 2026--The EIA today issued an "in-brief analysis" that estimates U.S. power plant developers and operators plan to complete a record installation of 86 GW of new, utility-scale electric generating capacity that is connected to the U.S. power grid in 2026. Last year, 53 GW of new capacity was added to the grid, which was the largest capacity installation in a single year since 2002. Thus the estimate of 86 GW of new capacity in 2026 is a whopping 33 GW greater than the year prior. It should be noted that over 20 GW of the 86 GW of new capacity this year is estimated to be completed in December.

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Enhanced Geothermal Systems May Drive Significant Growth in Geothermal Power Generation

LCG, February 19, 2026--The EIA released an "in-brief analysis" today regarding the expected completion of the first, large-scale commercial enhanced geothermal system (EGS) in June 2026, and the significant growth potential for year-round, 24x7, carbon-free, renewable EGS power generation in the United States.

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Industry News

Kauai Utility Signs Deal With SolarCity for Solar Array and Battery Storage System

LCG, September 11, 2015-Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) announced Wednesday that it has signed a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with SolarCity for electricity from the first utility-scale solar array and battery storage system designed to supply power to the grid in the evening, after the sun sets and customer demands remain high.

A rapid approval and construction schedule is needed to take advantage of federal investment tax credits and reduce project costs. Construction is targeted to begin by April 2016 so that the project can achieve commercial operation by December 31, 2016. KIUC has requested an accelerated approval process by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission.

The solar array and battery storage facility will be built on 50 acres of land adjacent to KIUC's Kapaia Power Station. The project includes a 52 MWh battery system with a 13-MW capacity to deliver power to the grid in the evening and reduce the need to consume fossil fuel at KIUC's adjacent simple-cycle facility (or other such facilities). By using the solar energy stored in the battery instead of diesel generators, KIUC will reduce its use of imported fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

SolarCity has an arrangement with Tesla Motors to distribute battery packs for both homes and utility-scale energy' storage.

According to KIUC, it will pay SolarCity a lower rate than the current cost of conventional generation and only slightly more than the cost of energy from KIUC's two existing 12 MW solar arrays, which lack storage.

KIUC's President and CEO stated, "KIUC has been investigating energy storage options for more than two years and price has always been the biggest challenge. This is a breakthrough project on technology and on price that enables us to move solar energy to the peak demand hours in the evening and reduce the amount of fossil fuel we're using."

SolarCity was the contractor on KIUC's first 12-MW solar array in Koloa, which went into commercial operation a year ago and supplies about five percent of Kauai's electricity.
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