Clean Tech Daily — June 11, 2026
Solar energy surpasses wind in U.S. capacity additions as utility-scale solar becomes the nation's dominant clean power technology. Meanwhile, breakthrough hydrogen production and record long-duration battery storage deployments are reshaping the grid's ability to maintain 24/7 clean energy supply. A federal court restores key tax credit rules for wind and solar projects ahead of a critical July deadline.
Clean Tech Daily — June 11, 2026
Top Story
Utility-Scale Solar Now Leads U.S. Clean Energy Capacity Race
A major shift is underway in the U.S. clean-energy mix, with utility-scale solar now providing more installed capacity than wind for the first time. The American Clean Power Association's Q1 2026 report reveals that total U.S. clean power capacity hit 370 GW—enough to power 80 million homes—with solar taking the lead as developers capitalize on fast construction timelines and continuous cost reductions. The pipeline for new projects grew 6% year-over-year, driven primarily by solar and battery storage expansion, while land-based wind capacity remained stagnant at 28 GW of planned projects and offshore wind declined 33% compared to Q1 2025. However, significant wind capacity is expected to come online later in 2026 as large projects reach their commercial operation dates. This solar dominance underscores how rapidly the clean energy landscape is evolving, with battery storage now becoming the critical enabler for 24/7 grid reliability.
Solar & Wind
Federal Court Restores 5% Safe Harbor Rule for Tax Credits
A federal judge has restored the 5% safe harbor rule for wind and solar projects, providing a new route for certain projects to prove they commenced construction by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act's July 4, 2026 deadline. This ruling is critical for projects seeking to preserve their eligibility for the 45Y clean energy production tax credit and 48E clean energy investment tax credit. The restoration of this guidance creates a pathway for developers racing against the deadline to demonstrate construction commencement and secure long-term tax incentives.
U.S. Added 6.4 GW of Clean Capacity in Q1 2026
The American Clean Power Association reports that the U.S. deployed 6.4 GW of utility-scale solar, wind, and storage capacity in the first quarter, continuing the construction rush ahead of tax credit deadlines. Solar led the quarter with the majority of new installations, while battery storage projects are accelerating to complement solar deployments.
EIA Projects 25-50% Electricity Generation Increase Through 2050
The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects that electricity generation will increase by 25 to 50 percent from 2025 through 2050, signaling that the power sector faces significant challenges in meeting demand growth while maintaining affordability and reliability. Clean energy capacity expansion will be essential to meeting this growth trajectory.
EVs & Batteries
GM Adds NACS Charging to All 2027 EVs, Launches Energy Pass Service
General Motors is rolling out NACS (North American Charging Standard) ports on all 2027 model year EVs from Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac between now and December, simplifying the charging experience across its lineup. The automaker is also launching an Energy Pass service that consolidates access to multiple charging networks, eliminating the need for drivers to juggle multiple apps and accounts. This move standardizes the charging experience and represents a major step toward seamless EV charging nationwide.
BYD Plans 20,000 Flash Charging Stations Across China by Year-End
Chinese EV leader BYD is deploying ultra-fast charging infrastructure with flash charging stations capable of delivering up to 1,500 kW—50% more power than its first-generation chargers. By the end of 2026, BYD plans to have 20,000 of these stations operational across China, enabling sub-10-minute charging for many EV models and accelerating EV adoption in the world's largest electric vehicle market.
Electrify America Simplifies EV Charging Payment
Electrify America is overhauling its payment system by removing app-based balance management and billing customers directly instead, streamlining the charging experience for drivers using the network's 50,000+ DC fast chargers across North America.
Hydrogen & Emerging Tech
Perovskite Catalyst Breakthrough Cuts Hydrogen Production Costs
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have developed a perovskite-based catalyst that splits water into hydrogen at much lower temperatures than existing technologies, potentially making clean fuel far cheaper and easier to generate. This breakthrough addresses one of the largest cost barriers to green hydrogen production and could accelerate hydrogen adoption for heavy industry and long-haul transport.
California's Tumbleweed Battery Proves Eight-Hour Storage Viability
The Tumbleweed long-duration battery storage installation just went live in Kern County, California, demonstrating the feasibility of storing clean energy and discharging it continuously for eight hours. This pioneering deployment moves California closer to achieving 24/7 clean energy supply and validates the role of long-duration storage in decarbonizing the grid.
Policy & Investment
EU Mobilizes €25 Billion Mediterranean Clean Energy Investment
The European Union has launched the Mediterranean Pact to mobilize €25 billion in investment to accelerate renewable energy deployment and modern grid infrastructure across the Mediterranean region. EU Commissioner Jørgensen emphasized that structural energy security requires "electrified energy systems based on clean energy, modern grids, and greater connectivity," signaling Europe's commitment to green energy sovereignty.
MENA Region Targets $642 Billion in Clean Energy Investment
The Middle East and North Africa region is scaling 84 clean energy projects designed to capture $642 billion in investment over the coming years, positioning MENA as a major hub for solar, wind, and emerging clean tech deployment across the developing world.
By the Numbers
| Metric | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Total U.S. Clean Power Capacity | 370 GW | Enough to power 80 million homes; Q1 2026 milestone |
| Q1 2026 Clean Capacity Additions | 6.4 GW | Primarily solar and battery storage; pipeline grew 6% YoY |
| Solar vs. Wind Installed Capacity | Solar leads | First time solar surpasses wind in U.S. capacity |
| EU Mediterranean Investment | €25 billion | Mobilized for renewable energy & grid modernization |
| MENA Clean Energy Target | $642 billion | 84 projects across Middle East & North Africa |
| BYD Flash Chargers by Year-End | 20,000 units | Capable of 1,500 kW output; China deployment |
What to Watch This Week
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July 4, 2026 Tax Credit Deadline Approaches: With the restored 5% safe harbor rule now in effect, developers have a clearer path to demonstrate construction commencement before the OBBB deadline. Watch for project announcements and construction starts across Q2.
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Long-Duration Storage Expansion: Following Tumbleweed's success, expect announcements from other energy storage developers and utilities deploying 4-, 6-, and 8-hour duration systems to enable grid-scale 24/7 renewables.
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EU & MENA Investment Deployment: Monitor how the €25 billion Mediterranean Pact and $642 billion MENA clean energy pipeline translate into actual project starts and grid connections in H2 2026.
Data as of June 11, 2026. All claims verified against sources published after June 9, 2026.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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