US Energy Demand Rises Amid Solar Growth and Debate Over Federal Land Use

Energy demand in the U.S. increased by 3% last year, marking the fifth-highest rise this century. This surge is attributed to increased electrification and technological growth, including artificial intelligence and data centers. Solar generation was the fastest-growing source of electricity, adding 64 terawatt hours, surpassing gas and wind. California has installed 20% more battery capacity than solar capacity. Texas installed more gigawatts of solar (7.4) and battery (3.9 GW) capacity than California. Secretary Doug Burgum plans to tell thousands of oil and gas executives gathered for an energy conference that the sale of federal timber, grazing rights, mineral production and oil and gas development could be used to pay down the nation's $36 trillion in national debt and create jobs.