Renewables on the Rise 2024 dashboard: Colorado among national leaders in EV, wind energy growth

DENVER — Colorado ranks 8th in the nation for growth in wind energy production since 2014 and 6th and 9th for growth in electric vehicle charging ports and registered electric vehicles, respectively, according to Renewables on the Rise 2024, an online dashboard released Wednesday by Environment Colorado Research & Policy Center.

“Colorado is setting the pace in the race to build a future powered 100% by clean and renewable energy,” said Henry Stiles, advocate with Environment Colorado Research & Policy Center. “Our state’s renewable energy leadership promises to deliver Coloradans a greener, healthier future.”

After a grueling summer on Colorado’s Front Range of high temperatures and frequent unhealthy air quality days fueled by burning fossil fuels, the new analysis offers hope. Since 2014, Colorado has increased its wind power generation by 117%, making it the 6th-largest wind energy producer in the U.S. In addition, the state now has 151,000 plug in and battery electric vehicles (EVs) on the road, further contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment.

Beyond ranking near the top in the wind and electric vehicle categories, Colorado ranks 12th in solar growth and 8th for growth in total battery energy storage capacity since 2014.

“CS Wind, the No.1 global wind tower company, is proud to play a key role in advancing Colorado’s leadership in renewable energy.” said Ji Bae, VP Director of Corporate Affairs, “By supporting the growth of wind power, we’re not only helping to reduce carbon emissions but also creating jobs and driving economic growth in the region. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the state to build a cleaner, more sustainable future.”

“It’s encouraging to see the results of Colorado’s collaborative cross-sector work to move us closer to net-zero emissions by 2050,” said Colorado Energy Office Deputy Director Dominique Gomez. “We are committed to continuing these nation-leading efforts to achieve our ambitious climate goals, while ensuring access to clean air and water, driving innovation, creating good-paying jobs, and saving Coloradans money on energy costs.”

The Inflation Reduction Act, passed by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden in summer 2022, offers federal tax credits for renewable energy, such as wind and solar, through 2032 and provides tax incentives to encourage individuals and businesses to buy electric vehicles. Colorado also has some of the most generous state-level electric vehicle incentives and cities like Denver offer numerous ways to get money to go green.

Colorado cities and counties can also apply for funding from the Colorado Energy Office’s Solar APPS grant program to help them adopt free, automated rooftop solar permitting  bring down costs and help more Coloradans go solar.

The new dashboard comes as one major utility, Xcel Energy, considers a replacement plan for a large, coal-fired power plant in Pueblo.

“Coloradans are already seeing the benefits of clean energy progress,” Stiles said. “With federal tax credits set to give clean energy a further boost, now is the time for Colorado to push forward and make 100% clean, renewable energy a reality.”