According to Renewables on the Rise 2024, the eighth edition of our annual report on the state of clean energy in America, Washington now generates 2,283% more solar power and 4.6% more wind power than it did in 2014. This increase means that we can power an additional 109,165 households each year with renewable energy.
Renewables On The Rise Dashboard
Here are five interesting facts about clean energy’s growth in Washington:
1. Washington generated more solar energy in 2023 alone than all solar generation before 2020 combined.
Washington produced 882 GWh of solar energy last year, up from 37 GWh in 2014. This was enough to bring us to 35th place in the national solar rankings.
2. Washington had no reported battery storage capacity until 2016, now we’re 30th in the country.
As of 2023, Washington has installed 0.01 gigawatts of battery storage capacity. This ranks Washington 30th in the country.
3. There are 141,055 all-electric vehicles registered in Washington as of 2023.
The number of EVs has grown 1,540% since 2014. Washington is ranked 4th in the country in terms of EV growth in the past 10 years.
4. Washington added 1,284 EV charging ports in 2023.
This was a 28% increase from 2022 and a 283% increase from 2014. Washington now ranks 6th in the country in EV charging ports installed.
5. Washington is generating 4.5% more wind energy than we did in 2014.
Though wind energy was down across the board in 2023, we’ve still seen modest growth since 2014. Washington is ranked 17th in the country in wind generation.
When we replace fossil fuels with wind turbines and solar panels, and curb wasteful uses of energy, we build a world where the planet and people can thrive.
Mia Altieri
Advocate, Environment Washington Research & Policy Center
Our clean energy growth over the past 10 years has proven the viability and significance of these renewable energy sources. By taking advantage of the opportunities to continue these trends, Washington can accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.
What can state and local leaders do to keep renewable energy growing?
State and local governments can support renewable energy by:
- setting renewable energy goals with clear benchmarks
- leveraging federal resources to reach renewable energy goals.
- ensuring that utility policies fairly compensate the owners of renewable energy technologies
- support policies for permitting and interconnection that make adopting renewable energy technologies easier.
- expand efficiency programs, including updating energy codes for buildings and adopting the latest appliance efficiency standards.
You can help renewable energy continue to grow in Washington by taking action below.
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Authors
Mia organizes and advocates for Environment Washington’s campaigns by coordinating with coalition partners and Network members. Mia lives in Seattle, where she enjoys rock climbing in the Cascades.
Evan works as a campaign associate and organizer on Environment America’s clean energy campaigns. Evan lives in Amherst, Massachusetts, where he enjoys running, hiking and tennis.
This post was originally published on here
