So much solar: Digging into the list of every US power plant that went online this year
Summary
In the first half of 2026, the United States saw 368 new utility-scale power plants start operating, with most being solar energy projects. Solar and battery storage led in the amount of new energy capacity, while large new natural gas plants are expected to come online in the next few years.Key Facts
- 368 utility-scale power plants began operation from January to June 2026 in the US.
- Utility-scale solar projects were the most common, with 207 new projects.
- Battery storage projects also grew, with 95 new installations.
- The largest new wind power projects are SunZia Wind South and North in New Mexico, with 3,650 megawatts total capacity.
- Natural gas power plants added 2,707 megawatts but fewer new plants opened compared to solar and batteries.
- Three states—Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona—account for about half of the new generating capacity.
- Smaller and mid-size solar projects are easier to build and are spread across many locations.
- Large natural gas plants are planned but will mostly come online in the coming years, not immediately.
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