US energy dynamics extend far beyond Washington

At adelphi in Berlin, German and US experts explored how state policy, growing power demand and battery storage are changing the landscape for transatlantic energy cooperation.

US energy policy is shaped at many levels. Federal decisions matter, but so do state governments, regional electricity markets, utilities and local investment conditions. This complexity was at the heart of Understanding US Energy Dynamics: Opportunities for Germany to Engage, co-hosted by Atlantik-Brücke, adelphi consult and adelphi global.

A recurring theme was the speed at which new energy capacity can be brought online. Participants noted that long delivery times for gas turbines are strengthening the near-term case for technologies that can be deployed more quickly. With US electricity demand rising, driven in part by the rapid growth of data centres, renewables and battery storage continue to account for a large share or planned new capacity. This market momentum is continuing even as the federal policy environment shifts. Renewables and storage remain well positioned to meet rising power demand, while improvements in permitting, siting and grid infrastructure can unlock further growth.

Narratives matter, too. Reliability, resilience, competitiveness and cost are increasingly important frames for discussing energy in the US. Participants stressed the value of engaging across political perspectives and at state and community level.

Solar has become too cheap to ignore.

– Representative Jamie Long

adelphi consult and adelphi global support transatlantic energy cooperation through Energy Partnerships with the USA and Canada and by supporting the Clean Economy Bridge which aims to strengthen exchange between stakeholders in Germany, the US and Canada.