Nuked 
Hello to all tech enthusiasts! Today we’re diving into the fascinating world of energy, where solar is taking center stage.
Last year, the U.S. made a historic investment of $338 billion in energy transition. However, this effort hasn’t significantly reduced carbon emissions.
In 2024, solar power surged, adding 49 gigawatts of new capacity, outpacing all other technologies combined. Solar and wind now account for nearly a quarter of electricity demand and almost 10% of all energy consumption in the U.S.
But there’s a twist—demand for natural gas also increased by 1.3%, contributing to a slight rise in carbon emissions. This uptick mainly came from industrial sectors and power plants.
The report highlights a pivotal moment for the U.S. with a nearly 16% decrease in emissions since 2005. Power-related emissions dropped even more, showcasing progress amidst rising electricity demand forecasts, which suggest a growth of 15.8% by 2029.
Interestingly, tech giants are leading the charge, with their insatiable appetite for energy driven predominantly by the expansion of data centers. Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are now heavily investing in nuclear energy to secure their future operations.
Moreover, Amazon is actively securing renewable energy agreements to support their data centers. This year, they’ve partnered for an impressive 476 megawatts of solar power, while Meta is not far behind with their solar initiatives.
Efficiency in energy consumption is becoming crucial as well, with smart strategies potentially unlocking additional capacity to balance future electrical demands. Concerns remain, though—the U.S. still trails China significantly in investment for the clean energy transition.
