The Department of Energy (DOE) has terminated or accepted the surrender of 17,904 megawatts (MW)–or about 18 gigawatts (GW)–worth of renewable energy (RE) projects in 2024 and 2025, as part of a government-wide effort to remove delayed and non-performing developments from the power pipeline.

In a press conference on January 13, Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said the clean-up covers projects that were either terminated for failing to meet contract requirements or relinquished, meaning developers voluntarily gave them up after deciding they could no longer proceed.

“These were not sudden decisions,” Garin said. She explained that projects were monitored for months or even years, with the DOE issuing notices and show-cause orders, which require developers to explain delays or prove they can still deliver.

Data presented by the DOE showed that in 2024, a total of 70 renewable energy projects with a combined potential capacity of 9,299.88 MW were either terminated or relinquished. In 2025, this increased to 93 projects amounting to 8,604.14 MW, bringing the two-year total to 163 projects.

The figures also show that solar projects made up the largest share of terminated capacity in both years. In 2024, terminated solar projects accounted for 6,826.75 MW, while in 2025, another 4,760.51 MW of solar capacity was cancelled. Other affected technologies included wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass, showing that the clean-up was not limited to a single sector.

DOE officials said removing stalled projects helps free up grid capacity, which refers to the limited space on the power system for new plants to connect and deliver electricity. When delayed projects hold on to contracts, they can block other developers from building power plants that are ready to move forward.

Garin said the agency’s goal is to ensure that renewable energy commitments translate into actual power supply, not just approvals on paper. “What we want are legitimate investors, that’s why we’re cleaning it out,” she told reporters.

The DOE added that it is also enforcing financial obligations, such as performance bonds, which are guarantees posted by developers to show they can complete their projects. These bonds can be collected if companies fail to meet their commitments.

Despite the cancellations, Garin said the government remains supportive of renewable energy development and continues to process new applications and auctions. She stressed that stricter enforcement is meant to improve project delivery and investor credibility, not discourage participation in the sector.

As the DOE clears stalled projects from the system, how will tougher enforcement affect the pace and quality of renewable energy investments in the country?

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