Energy sustainability in 2024: Key trends and insights shaping the U.S. energy future
2024 proved to be a pivotal year for energy sustainability. In November, Republicans won control of the Presidency, House and Senate, leading most observers to predict setbacks for renewable energy initiatives as attention shifts to fossil fuels. Despite this consensus, many variables make it difficult to truly predict how changes in U.S. energy policy will play out in the marketplace moving forward. With over two decades of experience navigating shifting energy policies, we have helped businesses and utilities adapt to regulatory changes and market uncertainties. Drawing from this expertise, we’ve identified the major U.S. energy trends shaping the future.
Top energy trends in the U.S.
- Electricity consumption in the U.S. grew by 2% last year, after two decades of relatively flat growth.
- Total renewable energy production grew by 8.6%, fueled by funding from the Inflation Reduction Act.
- Solar generation is estimated to have grown 27% in 2024, accounting for 7% of electricity produced in the U.S.
- CO2 emissions remained relatively flat in 2024, after nearly a 3% drop in 2023, primarily due to an increase in road activity and the number of flights.
- Rising building emissions, another top source of carbon dioxide, are linked to increased energy demand from hot weather.
The cost of climate change
Climate change remained a major concern. Twenty-seven extreme weather incidents in the U.S. caused a total of $183 billion in damages, making 2024 the fourth costliest year ever in terms of climate-related disasters. Hurricane Helene, the most damaging of these events, devastated inland regions of North Carolina that had previously been considered less risky than coastal areas. This milestone has already been surpassed in 2025—the L.A. wildfires are expected to be the costliest U.S. disaster in history, with over $250 billion in damages.
CLEAResult’s actionable energy strategies for businesses
- Goal setting – Even if the new administration derails climate disclosure rules at the federal level, corporations still face pressure from states and investors to decarbonize. Our experts can help your business establish its carbon footprint, analyze energy use and set carbon emissions goals.
- Facility upgrades – Look for ways to save energy and reduce carbon emissions. Our engineers can assess how your facilities use energy and recommend ways to upgrade equipment, transition to electrification and incorporate onsite renewable energy.
- Strategic Energy Management (SEM) – Explore how to eliminate energy waste and train staff to be more energy efficient. Our SEM team specializes in these and other methods to make continuous improvements that will optimize your long-term energy use.
- Climate resilience planning – Corporations face increasing pressure from investors and regulators to consider extreme weather event scenarios and develop risk mitigation plans. Our Energetics team can help your company prepare for natural disasters and minimize operational disruptions.
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Our Energy Sustainability team specializes in helping businesses plan and implement changes that reduce energy costs and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
To learn more about decarbonization, visit our decarbonization page. To speak with one of our decarbonization consultants, book a consultation using the form at the bottom of the page.