U.S. clean energy continued its rapid ascent in 2024. Renewables alone supplied nearly a quarter of the nation's electricity, while all zero-carbon sources (including hydro, geothermal and nuclear) provided over 40%. Electric vehicles and EV chargers grew significantly. And new clean energy manufacturing facilities created thousands of new jobs.

But headwinds are also gathering speed. Alongside persistently high interest rates, permitting delays, supply chain issues and local opposition, clean energy now faces policy hurdles and potential funding pullbacks under the Trump administration.
 
So, what does it all add up to? WRI experts lay out where U.S. energy stands today and where it needs to go.

Throughout Russia’s now three-year invasion, Ukraine has relied in part on electricity imported from Europe’s power grid to keep lights and heat on. Indeed, many now see shared regional energy grids like the EU’s — rather than self-sufficiency — as a key to improving energy security around the world. 

New York City’s traffic congestion fee, which came under fire last week, raised over $37 million in its first month for transit repair projects. It’s just one example of cities around the world that are leveraging tools like congestion pricing to generate much-needed funding for their public transit systems.

More than two-thirds of Africa’s farmland is degraded, threatening livelihoods and exacerbating hunger across the continent. But while the problem is vast, the most effective solutions are often small-scale.

Minerals are in the spotlight during negotiations between the United States and Ukraine.  
 
But what exactly is the difference between “rare earth elements” and “critical minerals” — which are often confused? Find out why it matters.