5 surprising facts about renewable energy growth in Rhode Island

According to Renewables on the Rise 2024, the eighth edition of our annual report on the state of clean energy in America, Rhode Island now generates 4,985% more solar power and 1,650% more wind power than it did in 2014. This increase means that we can power an additional 112,315 households each year with clean energy.

Here are five interesting facts about clean energy’s growth in Rhode Island:

1. Rhode Island generated more solar energy in 2023 alone than all solar generation before 2021 combined.

Rhode Island produced 1,068 GWh of solar energy last year, up from 21 GWh in 2014. This was enough to bring us to 31st place in the national solar rankings.

2. Battery storage is still very new to Rhode Island, but we’re 33rd in the country.

In 2024, Rhode Island set targets to reach 600 MW of energy storage by 2033. We can expect significant growth in the next few years.

3. There were 5,943 all-electric vehicles registered in Rhode Island in 2023.

The number of EVs has grown 7,060% since 2014. Despite its relative small size, Rhode Island is ranked 44th in the country for number of EVs registered.

4. Rhode Island has 817 EV charging ports installed as of 2023.

In 2023, the state added 34 new charging ports, which represents a 4.3% increase from 2022 and a 441% increase from 2014, when there were only 151 charging ports in the Ocean State. Rhode Island now ranks 38th in the country in EV charging ports installed.

5. Rhode Island is generating 1650% more wind energy than we did in 2014.

Though wind energy was down across the board in 2023, we’ve still seen a significant growth since 2014. Rhode Island is ranked 36th in the country in wind generation. Most of this wind generation comes from the Block Island wind farm. 

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, Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island by taking action below.