S&P Global Market Intelligence

Discover more about S&P Global's offerings

Featured Index TV

Heading Line

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

S& Global Platts Crude & Refined Products Market

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod

Learn More

US Power Sector Outlook 2026

AI, data center-boosted load growth prompts thermal power reconsiderations

As the race for AI dominance accelerates, the nation’s energy priorities are shifting. Once a champion of decarbonization and renewables, the US is leaning back on legacy sources like nuclear, natural gas and even coal to meet surging load growth and deliver the reliable power needed to fuel data centers and achieve AI superiority.

Renewables face policy and regulatory headwinds, yet remain essential as every legacy source poses its own problems: lengthy nuclear permitting timelines, gas turbine backlogs and tepid investment in coal. The result is an all-of-the-above energy strategy, balancing climate ambitions with the urgent need for reliable, high-capacity electricity to power AI and economic competitiveness.

Discover the key considerations shaping the 2026 US power sector outlook.

Already a client? Access the report on S&P Capital IQ Pro