Going Red, Blue and Purple for Decarbonizing Energy: Diverse States Go All-In for Solar, Storage and Distributed

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Despite federal opposition to renewable energy initiatives under the Trump Administration, states like California, Michigan, and Texas are making significant strides in expanding their renewable energy capacities. California, known for its progressive stance on clean energy, has recently approved $136 million for decarbonizing energy projects, leading the nation in solar installations and exploring utility-scale battery storage and hydrogen projects. Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the economic advantages of clean energy, stating that it is now more cost-effective to build new clean energy facilities than to operate fossil fuel plants.

Michigan, which has a more mixed political landscape, is also embracing renewable energy, with the Public Service Commission reporting a growth in renewable capacity to over 7,500 MW by the end of 2024, with expectations to reach 17,800 MW by 2030. Wind energy remains the dominant source, while solar energy is rapidly increasing. Meanwhile, Texas, despite its strong Republican support, is leading the nation in utility-scale wind power and has seen a remarkable increase in battery storage capacity, accounting for over 32% of the total installed nationwide. The state's favorable business environment and significant investments in energy infrastructure are driving this growth, positioning Texas as a formidable player in the renewable energy sector.