Kriti PatelTLDR:
– Clean energy projects in the U.S. after 2024 can access technology-neutral tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
– The credits replace existing incentives for wind and solar projects and extend to energy storage and evolving clean energy technologies.
The U.S. power sector has seen a significant decrease in greenhouse gas emissions in 2023. The introduction of technology-neutral tax credits under the IRA aims to promote diverse technologies without the need for frequent legislative extensions. These credits phase out by 2032 or when emissions reach a certain threshold. Wood Mackenzie suggests the U.S. may surpass this threshold after 2032, leading to trillions of dollars in tax credits over multiple decades. While these credits benefit renewable energy projects, they could also assist coal and gas plants adopting carbon capture and sequestration technology. Guidance from the Treasury Department is expected to provide clarity to developers in the coming months.
Between 2024 and 2030, the U.S. is projected to integrate a significant amount of solar and wind capacity along with energy storage projects. Despite potential risks, clean energy developers remain committed to their project plans. The core provisions of the IRA, particularly the technology-neutral tax credits, are expected to endure for decades, allowing for continued innovation and investment in the clean energy sector.
