45Y - Clean Electricity Production Credit Explained

The "45Y Clean Electricity Production Tax Credit" is a comprehensive provision within the U.S. tax code designed to incentivize the production of clean electricity starting in 2025. This tax credit is available to taxpayers who produce electricity at a qualified facility and meet certain criteria related to the sale, consumption, or storage of that electricity.

The 45Y Clean Electricity Production Tax Credit is a tax incentive introduced in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 to encourage the production of clean electricity in the United States. This credit applies to qualified facilities that generate electricity from clean energy sources and is available for projects that begin after December 31, 2024.

Amount of Credit

The credit amount is determined by a base amount and an increased credit amount, which depend on the greenhouse gas emissions rate of the facility. To qualify for the increased credit, the facility must meet prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements.

• General Formula: The credit amount is calculated by multiplying the kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity produced and sold (or consumed/stored under specific conditions) by the taxpayer at a qualified facility by an applicable rate (in cents per kWh).
• Base Amount: The base rate is 0.3 cents per kWh for facilities not meeting certain enhanced criteria.
• Alternative Amount: For smaller facilities (less than 1 megawatt), or those meeting specific construction and environmental criteria, the rate is higher at 1.5 cents per kWh.

Qualified Facility

• Definition: A qualified facility generates electricity, is put into service after December 31, 2024, and has a greenhouse gas emissions rate of zero or lower.
• 10-Year Eligibility: A facility is eligible for the tax credit for the first 10 years after it was placed in service.
• Expansions and Upgrades: Facilities expanded or upgraded after December 31, 2024, can qualify for additional credits based on the increased electricity production.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Rate

• Determination: The rate is based on the grams of CO2 equivalent emitted per kWh of electricity produced, considering both direct emissions and lifecycle emissions for facilities using combustion or gasification.

Inflation Adjustment

• The base and alternative amounts are subject to annual inflation adjustments.

Credit Phase-Out

• Describes a phase-out mechanism based on the construction start date of the facility and certain environmental benchmarks.

Which Companies is the 45Y Clean Energy Production Tax Credit Available To?

The 45Y Clean Electricity Production Tax Credit is available to companies that produce electricity from qualified clean energy sources, such as wind, solar, and nuclear power. These companies can claim the credit for electricity produced at qualified facilities and sold to unrelated parties. The credit is designed to incentivize the production of clean electricity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the United States.