SMP 248: Solar Dominates 2025 Energy Additions; Nuclear Sees Major Expansion

Solar Dominates 2025 Energy Additions; Nuclear Sees Major Expansion Welcome to our weekly Renewable Energy Briefing! Stay informed on the latest industry trends.  Episode #38 Briefing Highlights: -U.S. government and Westinghouse in $80 billion deal for new nuclear power  -Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) in a massive deal to acquire utility giant AES  -New federal report shows solar made up almost three-quarters of all new power in 2025 (19GW) -Federal government cancels $7 billion for low-income solar; over 20 states are now suing Solar continues its dominance in 2025, accounting for 19 GW of the 26 GW of new U.S. energy capacity added this year. Meanwhile, the nuclear renaissance accelerates as the U.S. government and Westinghouse announce an $80B deal that reshapes the future of baseload power. Benoy and David break down the biggest transactions—including GIP’s acquisition of AES—and the implications of federal policy changes, such as the Trump administration canceling $7B in solar grants aimed at low-income communities. Get the clean energy insights you need in five minutes. Join us for a comprehensive analysis that combines expert commentary with up-to-the-minute news, offering you a strategic overview of the renewable energy market. Don't miss out on the crucial details that can impact your investment decisions. Tune in weekly for your essential dose of Renewable Energy insights! Host Bio: Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions.   Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla’s Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental  commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market.   As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm’s renewable portfolio.   Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund.   Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar. Connect with Benoy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benoythanjan/ Learn more: https://reneuenergy.com https://www.solarmaverickpodcast.com     Host Bio: David Magid David Magid is a seasoned renewable energy executive with deep expertise in solar development, financing, and operations. He has worked across the clean energy value chain, leading teams that deliver distributed generation and community solar projects. David is widely recognized for his strategic insights on interconnection, market economics, and policy trends shaping the U.S. solar industry. Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmagid/   If you have any questions or comments, you can email us at [email protected].