The electric power industry must step up to meet growing power demand and continue to build a system the country needs, said Javier Fernandez, CEO of the Omaha Public Power District. "This is one place where we cannot afford to fail. We cannot afford to delay infrastructure."

While frequently discounted as renewable energy, hydropower accounts for close to 30% of carbon-free generation in the U.S. and provides 40% of the nation's black start capacity.

Sales of electric vehicles in the U.S. are showing some signs of recovery, while the market for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles has practically collapsed.

About 20% of all vehicles sold worldwide this year will have a plug ― either battery electric or plug-in hybrid ― with sales predicted to rise to one-third by 2027.

According to Kelley Blue Book, the slow-down in EV sales could be a sign that "EVs are almost mainstream cars in parts of the country. Segment growth typically slows as volume increases."