Europe, once a pioneer in the energy transition, now faces mounting concerns over losing its first-mover advantage to the US. With the enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in 2022, Europe’s competitive position has been questioned, leading to fears of being overtaken in the race to net zero. While European energy professionals express worries about losing ground, their US counterparts at DISTRIBUTECH International suggest that parity has not yet been achieved. However, with significant investments and regulatory changes spurred by the IRA, the US is rapidly closing the gap. As both regions vie for dominance in renewable energy adoption and grid integration, the competition is heating up, setting the stage for a neck-and-neck race towards a sustainable future.
