Rhode Island top of the class for wind energy growth

State also ranks 2nd in nation for increase in electric vehicle registration

Providence, R.I. – Rhode Island ranks 1st in the nation for growth in percent increase in wind energy production since 2014, 17th in the nation for growth in percent increase in solar energy production, and 2nd in percent increase in electric vehicle registration, according to the online Renewables on the Rise 2024 dashboard released on Wednesday by Environment Rhode Island Research & Policy Center.

“The wind is at the back of renewables from coast to coast, and Rhode Island has hoisted our sails high. It’s amazing the difference that a decade can make,” said Rex Wilmouth, Director of Environment Rhode Island Research & Policy Center. “We’ve made fantastic progress in Rhode Island. Now we have to keep up the momentum in order to meet our goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2033.”

Rhode Island has seen a 4975% increase (50 fold) in the amount of electricity it gets from the sun since 2014, a 1664% increase (more than 17 fold) in wind power production since 2014, and as of 2023 generates enough wind and solar power to meet 17% of its electricity demand. In 2022, Rhode Island codified a goal of requiring electric suppliers to annually increase renewable energy generation until reaching 100% by 2033.

“Rhode Island has work to do in order to meet its clean energy commitments”, said Wilmouth. “Our progress to date should give us the confidence to do more.”

In addition to highlighting states that have made the most progress in adopting renewable energy technologies, the research also details the rapid gains achieved nationally over the past decade. According to the report, America produced more than three times as much renewable electricity from the sun and the wind in 2023 as in 2014.

The Renewables on the Rise 2024 dashboard documents the growth of six key clean energy technologies across the United States over the past decade: solar power, wind power, battery storage, energy efficiency, electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging stations.

“Millions of Americans and Rhode Islanders are already reaping the benefits of the dramatic clean energy progress we’ve made so far,” Wilmouth said. “With federal tax credits turbocharging clean energy, now is the time for our state to lean in and transform the vision of 100% clean and renewable energy for Rhode Island into a reality.”

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