Renewable energy in the US faced political headwinds after President Trump's return to office, with initial fears of a slump following the rollback of several tax credits and increased support for traditional energy sources. Will Marder of Wilmington Trust notes that despite early uncertainty, the sector has shown surprising resilience, with some subsectors like solar and battery storage remaining robust.

In the first year of Trump's second term, offshore wind projects faced delays while onshore wind financing dropped significantly. The administration's tariffs on imported components created temporary market uncertainty, though many proved short-lived. Developers rushed to qualify for tax credits under safe harbor provisions before potential repeals. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act initially sparked fears but ultimately failed to derail the renewable sector.

Nuclear power is experiencing renewed interest as data centers drive massive electricity demand that intermittent renewables cannot meet alone. Companies like Google are investing in nuclear projects, signaling what could be a US nuclear renaissance. However, industry faces a critical workforce shortage as experienced personnel from the 1970s-90s buildout retire. Despite policy shifts, Marder believes the energy transition remains intact, driven by economic fundamentals and growing demand from data center expansion.