Trump's energy pivot accelerates US solar and wind power mergers, asset sales

Core Insights - The Trump administration's shift away from renewable energy has led to consolidation and asset sales among smaller U.S. solar and wind companies as they struggle to remain viable [1][2] Industry Impact - The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has restructured tax credits and reduced eligibility for solar and wind projects, emphasizing fossil fuels over green energy [2] - The number of clean energy deals surged to 63 with a total value of approximately $34 billion in the first half of 2025, compared to about 57 deals worth around $7 billion in the second half of 2024 [3] - The rollback of the Inflation Reduction Act and the elimination of loan guarantees for green projects have intensified pressures on smaller companies, potentially leading to mergers or asset sales [4] Financial Outlook - The U.S. Energy Department plans to cancel over $13 billion in funding for green energy, worsening the outlook for such initiatives [5] - The cancellation of federal loans is expected to drive mergers and acquisitions in the utility sector, particularly for distressed clean energy assets [6] Market Dynamics - Private equity firms and utilities are actively seeking opportunities, with recent acquisitions such as CBRE Investment Management's agreement to acquire ClearGen, a clean energy developer [7] - Larger utilities and private equity investors are capitalizing on undervalued assets due to their stronger financial positions and risk tolerance [8]