April 28, 2025
DENVER — Rybak Electrical Project joined over 500 renewable energy professionals at the 18th Annual Solar Energy & Storage Summit this April to assess the state of the clean energy market and chart a course for the years ahead.
The two-day summit brought together industry leaders, technical experts, and policymakers to explore key trends shaping the renewable landscape and the challenges utilities and developers face in today’s climate.
State of the Market
A major theme throughout the summit was the fragile state of the current renewable energy sector. Industry leaders voiced concern that the economic and regulatory environment may cause continued strain on developers, with some warning that many renewable companies from just a few years ago have already shuttered—and more may follow if conditions don’t improve.
Industry Challenges
Recurring concerns included:
- Tariffs and Interconnect Bottlenecks: Complex interconnection processes and tariff regulations are creating significant hurdles for project development.
- Uncertain Federal Guidelines: Evolving policies surrounding permitting and funding programs are leading to increased delays and risk.
- Supply Chain Pressures: Unpredictable material and equipment availability continues to disrupt construction timelines.
Many attendees noted that the landscape today feels more uncertain than it did even a year ago.
Data Center Energy Demands
Another pressing topic was the explosive growth of data centers, which now require massive amounts of energy—far more than most renewable projects can currently deliver. Hyperscale facilities often consume between 20–100 megawatts (MW), while most utility-scale solar installations are typically in the 1–5 MW range. Developers are exploring alternative sources such as nuclear, natural gas, and even coal to meet the demand, though these too face delays due to supply chain and regulatory issues.
Rybak's Role in a Changing Market
The Solar Energy & Storage Summit reinforced the importance of having experienced partners in the EPC space. With decades of engineering, procurement, and construction expertise, Rybak Electrical Project helps developers and utilities overcome delays caused by interconnect limitations, evolving federal regulations, and procurement challenges. Through strong relationships with suppliers and subcontractors, we keep projects moving forward—efficiently and effectively.
About the Solar & Energy Storage Summit
This annual summit is hosted by Wood Mackenzie and brings together renewable energy professionals from across the U.S. to share data-driven insights and market forecasts that help shape the future of the industry.
Join Rybak Electrical Project at upcoming industry events, including Cleanpower (Phoenix, AZ, May 19–22) and the Southeastern Electric Exchange Conference (Orlando, FL, June 24–27). We look forward to connecting and collaborating to build the energy systems of tomorrow.
About Rybak Electrical Project
Rybak Electrical Project is a trusted EPC contractor specializing in high-voltage substations, renewable energy interconnections, and critical utility infrastructure. With a commitment to reliability, safety, and innovation, Rybak supports the development of power systems across the U.S., helping clients stay ahead in an evolving energy market.