As the world’s energy needs grow, America’s winning formula is to innovate the next generation of American clean energy technologies here, build them here and sell them everywhere. U.S. global energy leadership can be a beacon to solving diverse and ever-changing challenges at home and abroad. Alongside allies and partner nations, the U.S. will ensure that the world’s energy needs are addressed in a clean, affordable and reliable manner.
The U.S. has made historic investments in the demonstration, deployment and expansion of innovative, clean energy technologies. As a result, America represents an increasingly smaller portion of global energy emissions. Looking ahead, America can lead the way in ensuring these technologies find pathways to the rest of the world, benefitting economic, national security and environmental priorities.
Source: International Energy Agency, World Energy Outlook 2025
Total emissions estimates are based on a notional extrapolation based on current trends
Accelerating the export of next-generation energy technologies can drive the large-scale deployment needed to reduce global emissions. Expanding into global markets positions the U.S. as a key partner in the future of clean energy while seizing a valuable trade opportunity. The U.S. is already the world’s top liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter and is leading in developing new nuclear reactors, carbon capture technology, hydrogen, clean steel and long-duration energy storage, with global market opportunity up to $130 trillion through 2050.
Trade and Investment Policy – America’s network of trade agreements is a powerful dimension of global leadership and should be continually expanded and improved to secure overseas markets for U.S. clean energy exports. However, China is the top trading partner to more than 120 countries. For the U.S. to maintain leadership in brokering fair, transparent trade deals with high standards, it must have a strategic, pro-market trade policy – with Congressional engagement – to eliminate trade barriers to clean energy products and services across international markets. Collaboration with partners and allies through trade and investment can advance the next generation of energy technologies while offering an essential alternative to nations that threaten international energy security and climate goals.
Development Finance – American development finance is a key dimension of U.S. power and leadership abroad. It supports our national priorities by empowering partner countries to build high-quality clean energy projects with American solutions as a counterweight to geostrategic rivals. However, the current development finance landscape is dominated by lending from America’s competitors and adversaries for often-risky projects. China's Belt and Road Initiative and associated state-backed financial mechanisms have strategically positioned China as the dominant global energy financier, significantly exceeding U.S. investments. From 2015-2025, China financed roughly $446 billion for energy infrastructure globally, compared to $45 billion from the U.S. Development financing is not charity. Dollar-for-dollar, it is one of the best investments that America can make in energy diplomacy, typically returning profits to the U.S. Treasury. In fact, the International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) alone operated at a net profit of $241 million in 2024.
Legal, Regulatory and Standards Harmonization – When countries coordinate their legal, regulatory and market structures, they create predictable and compatible frameworks that can open markets for U.S. clean energy exports and help new technologies scale. Harmonized standards make it easier for American firms to prove compliance, reduce duplicative testing and compete in foreign markets. As the U.S. develops a new generation of energy solutions, aligning regulations with key partners will be essential to expanding trade opportunities and accelerating the deployment of American technologies abroad.
Energy and Supply Chain Security – It is imperative for the U.S. to advance policies that strengthen the supply chains underpinning America’s energy leadership, from critical minerals and LNG to advanced fuels and the industrial inputs required for next-generation technologies. A secure and diverse supply base is essential for expanding access to clean, firm and affordable energy both at home and abroad. ClearPath supports policies that deepen cooperation with reliable partners, promote responsible mining and processing and create transparent investment frameworks that counter the influence of non-market actors. By prioritizing supply chain resilience, the U.S. can safeguard its energy future, create reliable commercial opportunities for American companies and strengthen its position in the geopolitical landscape.