SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

Washington to return $13bn in unobligated energy transition funds

The U.S. Department of Energy will return more than $13bn in unspent funds originally allocated to climate initiatives, in line with the Trump administration’s new budget policy.

Share:

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90$/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90$/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

START NOW — 4.90$/month

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 $/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99$/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

SUBSCRIBE — 99$/year

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 $/year from the second year.

Sign up for free to unlock this article

The United States Department of Energy has announced its intention to return more than $13bn (approximately EUR12.2bn) in unobligated funds to the federal Treasury. These funds were originally assigned to support energy transition programmes under the previous administration. The decision is part of a strategic redirection of public spending driven by the current government.

The announcement was made by U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, who stated that the amount reflects “a commitment to refocusing the department on its core mission” regarding energy security. The refund is also linked to the implementation of the Working Families Tax Cut, adopted earlier this year, which mandates the streamlining of federal spending, especially in areas deemed non-essential.

A refocus on traditional domestic energy

The decision aims to halt the financing of programmes described by the current administration as wasteful climate-related expenditures. No specific details were provided regarding the affected projects, but the budget direction suggests a significant reduction in federal support for emerging decarbonisation technologies.

The Department of Energy stated that the returned resources will be used to ease federal budget burdens and support tax measures for households. Simultaneously, the agency announced a renewed focus on enhancing energy independence, grid reliability, and low-cost domestic energy production.

Expected impact on markets and public projects

This announcement comes as several states had planned project tenders relying on these federal funds. The return of these appropriations could affect the planning of some local energy infrastructure programmes, particularly those requiring federal co-financing.

No information has been provided on potential internal reallocations within the Department. However, the statement referenced a strategy to redirect efforts towards technologies considered more immediately profitable or aligned with domestic energy goals.

“Thanks to President Trump and Congress, those days are over,” said Chris Wright. “We are committed to promoting more affordable, reliable, and secure American energy.”

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Thermal Energy reaches record annual revenue of $21.9mn in 2025
South Africa opens rail sector to private players to boost coal exports
Envision Energy enters strategic partnership with ANZ to support its expansion in Australia
Eight international oil companies reach deal to resume Kurdistan exports
Iran signs agreement with Rosatom to develop small modular reactors
Southeast Asia’s power demand drives massive integration of solar and wind
Southeast Asia, facing rapid electricity consumption growth, could tap up to 20 terawatts of solar and wind potential to strengthen energy security.
France: Emmanuelle Wargon takes the helm of ACER’s Board of Regulators
The President of the Energy Regulatory Commission was elected to the presidency of the Board of Regulators of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators for a two-and-a-half-year term.
Australia sets emissions reduction target of 62 to 70% by 2035
The Australian government has announced a new climate target backed by a funding plan, while maintaining its position as a major coal exporter, raising questions about its long-term energy strategy.
India secures a 15-year contract with the Seabed Authority
New 15-year agreement for the exploration of polymetallic sulphides in the Indian Ocean, making India the first country with two licences and the largest allocated perimeter for these deposits.
Argentina puts 44% of Nucleo Electrica SA’s capital up for sale as part of its reform
The Argentine government launches a national and international tender to sell 44% of Nucleo Electrica SA, continuing its policy of economic withdrawal through capital markets.
US greenhouse gas emissions may plateau by 2030
A report by Rhodium Group anticipates stagnation in US emissions, a result of the political shift favouring fossil fuels since Donald Trump returned to office.
New failure of the Nigerian power grid triggers widespread outages across the country
A sudden fault on the national grid cut electricity supply to several regions of Nigeria, reigniting concerns about the stability of the transmission system.
Guyana to tighten contractual framework for oil production
Re-elected president Irfaan Ali announces stricter production-sharing agreements to increase national economic returns.
Coal India launches 5 GW of solar and wind projects across the country
Coal India issues tenders to develop 5 GW of renewable capacity, split between solar and wind, as part of its long-term energy strategy.
US utilities plan 147 GW in new high-load capacity by 2035
US utilities anticipate a rapid increase in high-intensity loads, targeting 147 GW of new capacity by 2035, with a strategic shift toward deregulated markets.
France: RTE launches public debate on €100 billion for the power grid
France opens a national consultation on RTE’s plan to invest €100 billion by 2040 to modernise the high-voltage electricity transmission grid.
California speeds up permits to secure federal tax credits
Governor Gavin Newsom orders state agencies to fast-track clean energy projects to capture Inflation Reduction Act credits before deadlines expire.
German industry warns of €5.4tn energy burden by 2049
Germany’s energy transition could cost up to €5.4tn ($6.3tn) by 2049, according to the main industry organisation, raising concerns over national competitiveness.
Power cuts plunge Iranian businesses into lasting operational crisis
Facing blackouts imposed by the authorities, small businesses in Iran record mounting losses amid drought, fuel shortages and pressure on the national power grid.
T Plus to maintain electricity production at 57.6 TWh in 2025
Russian group T Plus plans to stabilise its electricity output at 57.6 TWh in 2025, despite a decline recorded in the first half of the year, according to Chief Executive Officer Pavel Snikkars.
French energy regulator corrects ten public claims on costs and production
In France, the Commission de régulation de l’énergie issues a clarification on ten statements shared over the summer, correcting several figures regarding tariffs, production and investments in the electricity sector.
Dozens of scientists denounce climate report deemed biased by US Department of Energy
A group of 85 researchers challenges the scientific validity of the climate report released by the US Department of Energy, citing partial methods and the absence of independent peer review.
Five new projects obtain CB RES status and join the Commission list
Five energy infrastructure projects have been added to the list of cross-border renewable projects, making them eligible for financial support under the CEF Energy programme.
Tanzania bets on compressed natural gas to cut oil imports
The Tanzanian government launches a national consultation to accelerate the rollout of compressed natural gas, mobilising public and private financing to secure energy supply and lower fuel costs.
Kuwait launches tenders for 1.8GW energy and water project
The Kuwaiti government has invited three international consortia to submit bids for the first phase of the Al Khairan project, combining power generation and desalination.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.