**Green Energy's Resilience Despite Political Winds: Trump’s Return and the Future of Renewables**

President-elect Donald Trump's campaign promises to dismantle the Democrats' 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), labeling it as a "green new scam," have sent ripples of concern through the clean energy sector. The IRA, noteworthy for its $500 billion in tax credits and subsidies aimed at renewable energy, has been under siege. Clean energy companies fear the loss of incentives such as the substantial investment tax credit, which could range up to 30% or even 50% of project costs. Consequently, both environmental advocates and investors in renewable stocks have expressed alarm following Trump’s election victory.

Nevertheless, the repeal of the IRA is not a foregone conclusion. Many renewable energy projects have been bringing employment and investment to Republican-held districts. Interestingly, Trump's broader policies, such as reducing corporate taxes and cutting environmental regulations, might inadvertently benefit the clean energy sector by easing some barriers that slow green project siting and electricity transmission.

A key factor in why green energy is poised to persist and grow even under a Trump administration is the advanced stage of the industry. Supportive subsidies, although beneficial particularly for emerging technologies, are no longer the sole drivers of the green revolution. The economics of renewable energy, coupled with rising consumer demand and the burgeoning need for electricity to power data centers for artificial intelligence, underscore this momentum.

Approximately 80% of IRA advantages have been directed towards Republican districts. States like Texas have outpaced others in renewable energy generation, adding significant capacities in wind, solar, and battery storage. NextEra Energy, a major player in renewables, projects that much of the IRA will endure due to the political popularity and economic benefits of green jobs.

Further emphasizing the robust trajectory of green energy, data from Lazard show wind and solar as the cheapest forms of new electric generation in the U.S., at 9 cents per kilowatt hour or less for utility-scale projects. Even when factoring in battery storage, these renewables remain competitively priced against new natural gas turbines and are considerably cheaper than large-scale nuclear energy.

The expected growth in electricity demand, particularly driven by data centers for AI services, will require rapid expansion in electric generation. Projects like Amazon's $11 billion data center in Indiana highlight this surge, pointing towards a significant increase in commercial electricity needs.

Despite political attacks on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing, substantial funds remain dedicated to green investments globally. Cutting governmental support may accelerate competition, allowing the most viable, innovative technologies to thrive. Notably, past federal investments have facilitated significant breakthroughs, as seen in Elon Musk’s Tesla and advanced nuclear ventures like TerraPower.

State policies and mandates play a crucial role, with utility commissioners and grid operators influencing green power development. While Trump may attempt to penalize non-compliant states, entities such as California continue to lead substantial climate initiatives, enhancing their green energy portfolios irrespective of federal stances.

Interestingly, fossil fuel producers are not entirely opposed to climate-friendly policies. ExxonMobil has advocated for a global carbon tax and participation in the Paris Climate Accords. Meanwhile, the fracking revolution’s shift towards natural gas has substantially reduced U.S. carbon emissions by displacing coal, demonstrating complex intersections between traditional and renewable energy sectors.

Historically, the U.S. has significantly increased its renewable energy generation, but fossil fuels still dominate much of the global energy supply. Advocates like Tom Steyer stress the necessity for widespread policy changes, such as global carbon pricing, to accelerate the transition towards more sustainable energy practices.

In summary, while Trump's return could alter some dynamics, the resilience and economic logic of renewable energy continue to fortify its path forward. The green energy sector, with its advanced maturity and substantial market demands, is likely to endure and evolve regardless of shifting political landscapes.