Attending RE+ International this year offered a valuable opportunity to engage with industry leaders, clients, and partners across the global renewables sector. The conversations and sessions we participated in revealed five clear themes that are driving strategic decisions in solar, wind, and energy storage. Here’s what stood out: 

1) Battery Energy Storage Is Now Central to Project Success 

Across the U.S. market, there was broad consensus that battery energy storage is key. Developers are increasingly integrating storage into solar and wind portfolios to improve grid reliability, enhance project economics, and meet evolving regulatory requirements. Storage-first strategies are becoming standard practice, especially in regions facing interconnection constraints or time-of-use pricing pressures. 

2) M&A Activity Is Accelerating Across the Sector 

It’s an active time for mergers and acquisitions. We spoke with several attendees involved in transactions or seeking strategic partnerships. Whether you’re looking to scale, diversify, or reposition, there’s strong interest from both buyers and sellers. If you’re exploring opportunities, now is the time to connect. 

3) Domestic Supply Chain Development Is a Top Priority 

Multiple sessions emphasized the urgency of building a robust domestic supply chain for renewables. This includes expanding U.S.-based manufacturing capacity and strengthening distribution networks. The goal is to reduce dependency on foreign components, improve delivery timelines, and enhance resilience across the value chain. 

4) Workforce Growth Is Driving Industry Momentum 

The renewable energy workforce continues to expand, with projections exceeding one million new jobs in the U.S. by 2030. This growth presents both opportunities and challenges—from talent acquisition and training to long-term retention. Companies that invest in workforce development will be better positioned to scale and adapt. 

5) Software and AI Are Reshaping Project Development 

Recent advances in software and artificial intelligence are accelerating early-stage development. Tools that assess community sentiment, streamline site due diligence, and automate preliminary layouts are helping developers move faster and more efficiently. These technologies are quickly becoming essential for competitive project execution. 

Conclusion 

RE+ International 2025 reinforced the importance of strategic alignment across technology, policy, and partnerships. The themes outlined above are not just trends—they’re active drivers of change in our industry. As we continue to support clients and collaborators in solar, wind, and storage development, these insights will inform how we approach the next phase of growth. 

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