The clean-energy industry is currently experiencing its worst downturn in years, resulting in a significant decline in its overall value and posing a serious threat to America’s environmental objectives. Major auto manufacturers such as General Motors (GM) and Ford Motor (F) have postponed their plans to introduce electric vehicles. Offshore wind developers are also canceling or delaying projects that were meant to supply millions of Americans with carbon-free electricity. Even homeowners in environmentally conscious states like California are buying fewer solar panels for their roofs. Furthermore, green-power producers, known for their reliable dividends, are now facing challenges due to rising interest rates, supply-chain issues, inadequate electric transmission infrastructure, and competition from China. The fallout has led to a 32% drop in the Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy exchange-traded fund (PBW), with 76 of its 77 stocks falling in the last three months. The one stock to rise is a small fuse maker. This stands in stark contrast to the 14% gain seen in the S&P 500 index. If you’d like to continue reading this article, consider a subscription with Barron’s to access additional options.
Clean-Energy Stocks: Navigating the Collapse and What Lies Ahead
