Resilience in Clean Energy: Corporate Supply and Demand Dynamics for 2026

The latest report from the Corporate Energy Buyers Association (CEBA) reveals a robust demand for clean energy, confirming that corporate commitments have reached unprecedented levels. In 2025 alone, corporate buyers in the U.S. announced over 27 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy capacity, solidifying it as a record year and paving the way for a significant start in 2026 with an additional 13 GW in just the first quarter. This surge means that since 2014, companies have amassed a staggering total of over 143 GW in clean energy deals, rivaling the overall installed capacity of Texas.

Rich Powell, the CEO of CEBA, emphasized that the influence of corporate buyers in the clean energy sector has now evolved beyond mere participation, stating, "They are shaping the grid itself." The report underscores a shift in power dynamics, with corporate-backed clean energy projects now representing at least 4% of total electricity generation in the U.S—a figure that surpasses the entire power production of 45 individual states.

Though solar energy still dominates the landscape in terms of capacity, 2025 marked a pivotal moment as nuclear energy outpaced wind to become the second-largest energy source adopted by corporate buyers. Additionally, investments in geothermal, hydropower, energy storage, and emerging technologies such as fusion and carbon capture are on the rise, reflecting a growing emphasis on reliability and 24/7 power.

The report also highlights the advances being made in the Asia-Pacific region where CEBA is catalyzing clean energy procurement. While progress may vary across countries, CEBA is at the forefront of driving the decarbonization of supply chains and fostering innovative market structures in nations including China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Despite the optimistic outlook, the report reveals a complex landscape for voluntary procurement. Notably, there was a significant 40% decrease in the number of buyers announcing clean energy initiatives year-over-year, indicating a contraction in the market as 2026 begins. Factors such as infrastructure limitations, regulatory uncertainties, and geopolitical factors are contributing to the rising costs associated with power purchase agreements (PPAs).

In light of these challenges, CEBA members are responding through innovation—partnering with utilities to explore creative tariff structures, extending the lifespan of existing clean energy assets, and employing advanced tools like artificial intelligence for modern grid planning. Many are also prioritizing community and environmental factors in their contracts, highlighting the value of purpose-driven energy procurement.

As Powell encapsulated the insights from this year's State of the Market report, the prevailing theme is resilience. Corporate buyers are navigating a complex and evolving landscape, actively contributing to the realization of reliable, affordable, and carbon-free electricity systems. This trend not only signals a transformative period in energy procurement but also showcases the potential of collective action toward sustainability goals.

The Corporate Energy Buyers Association (CEBA) works diligently to unite energy purchasers and their partners, facilitating a transition to a global energy system that is not only low-cost but also dependable and free from carbon emissions. With a market valuation of $40 trillion, CEBA represents a diverse array of energy customers, suppliers, and services. For more details on their initiatives, visit ceba.org or connect with them on social media platforms.