美国清洁能源风光不再

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. clean energy industry is experiencing significant changes due to a combination of policy shifts and declining investments, reflecting structural challenges in the energy transition process [1][3]. Investment Decline - As of September this year, investments in the U.S. clean energy sector have decreased by over $24 billion, resulting in approximately 21,000 job losses, with $1.6 billion in projects canceled and nearly 3,000 jobs lost in September alone [3][5]. - The U.S. Department of Energy has terminated financial support for 223 energy projects, affecting 321 funding programs, with an estimated budget cut of $7.56 billion [3][5]. Project Delays and Cancellations - The clean energy sector is facing significant challenges, particularly in Republican-led districts, which have seen investment losses of $12.4 billion and a reduction of about 15,000 jobs [5]. - Major projects in states like Kansas, Michigan, North Carolina, and Tennessee have been canceled or delayed, exacerbating the funding challenges for small to medium-sized developers reliant on public funding [5]. Market Stagnation - Despite the investment decline, some companies are still seeking new growth opportunities, with $542 million announced for electric vehicle components and solar manufacturing, expected to create around 985 long-term jobs [6]. - However, this new investment is insufficient to counteract the overall downward trend, as the U.S. clean energy market shows stagnation in new capacity installations [6][7]. Policy Changes Impact - A series of administrative orders and new regulations have been implemented, notably the "Big and Beautiful" Act, which accelerates the reduction of tax credits for clean energy projects, moving the application deadline from 2032 to the end of 2027 [7]. - The second quarter saw only 11.6 GW of new wind, solar, and storage capacity added, a mere 1% increase year-on-year, with overall capacity down compared to the previous year [7]. Industry Consolidation - The clean energy sector is undergoing rapid consolidation, with merger and acquisition activity in the first half of the year reaching $34 billion across 63 deals, driven by subsidy reductions and tightening credit [10]. - Companies like Sunnova are facing financial difficulties, prompting strategic restructuring and asset sales, while private capital and large utility companies are increasingly involved in acquisitions [10]. International Investment Concerns - Policy uncertainty is affecting foreign investor confidence, with companies like Bil a Solar and Heliene pausing or reevaluating their projects in the U.S. [11]. - The growth rate of clean energy installations in leading states like California and Texas has slowed to 8%, with other states also falling below the national average [11].