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The renewable energy industry is facing uncertainty with the change in administration, but the clean energy transition is not expected to come to a halt. In fact, there may be some positive developments for renewable energy deployments. While the incoming administration is likely to prioritize investment in oil and gas production and scale back climate change policies, this does not necessarily mean disaster for the renewable energy industry.
One potential benefit for the industry is that regulatory reform may ease permitting requirements, making it easier to build new infrastructure. However, there may also be some challenges, as the Biden administration has promised to claw back parts of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which provides incentives for clean energy investments. This could potentially slow down the momentum of the clean energy boom.
Lawmakers from districts that have benefited from IRA-related incentives are likely to push for the retention of these provisions, but changes to the structure and eligibility requirements of tax credits remain to be seen. The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), which provides funding for clean energy projects in economically disadvantaged areas, is expected to remain intact, providing potential tailwinds for the renewable industry.
Despite potential challenges, the demand for energy is expected to continue growing, driven by economic growth, cryptocurrency, and AI. This will require new sources of energy, and while natural gas may see an increase, solar and storage will continue to play a crucial role in meeting this demand. Even if tax credits for renewable energy are reduced, the latest data from Lazard shows that renewable energy is still cost-competitive with traditional sources of energy.
Overall, while there may be some changes and challenges for the renewable energy industry under the new administration, it is still expected to play a significant role in meeting energy demand and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The extent of the impact will depend on the specific policies and regulations put in place, but the industry is poised to weather the storm and continue its growth trajectory.