Release: Rhode Island top of the class for wind energy growth

Despite recent declines in output, state still #1 for growth in wind generation since 2015; 2nd for rate of increase in electric vehicles

Providence, R.I. – Rhode Island ranks 1st in the nation for growth in percent increase in wind energy production since 2015 according to the online State of Renewable Energy 2025 dashboard released on Wednesday by Environment Rhode Island Research & Policy Center. The 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. It is being released as some in Congress consider repealing tax credits that make it easier for Americans to choose clean energy.

“The simple truth about renewable energy is that power from the sun and wind doesn’t pollute, never runs out and shows up for free,” said Rex Wilmouth, Director of Environment Rhode Island Research & Policy Center. “Rhode Island has abundant renewable energy resources and smart, efficient technology to harvest, store and share it. Now is the time to let more Rhode Islanders choose clean energy, not make it harder for them.”

“This annual report shows that Rhode Island is continuing to lead the way in building a clean energy future,” said Seth Magaziner, Rhode Island Congressman. “I’m proud of the progress we’ve made, and I’ll keep working at the federal level to make sure our state stays at the forefront of renewable energy, including offshore wind, and clean energy job creation.”

The report details Rhode Island’s progress:

• Wind power: Rhode Island has seen a more than 17 fold increase in wind power production since 2015.
• Solar power: Rhode Island has seen a 48-fold increase in the amount of electricity it gets from the sun since 2015.
• Overall renewables: In 2015, Rhode Island generated less than 1 percent of retail electricity sales from renewable energy sources. In 2024, wind and solar generated enough electricity to meet 20% of retail electricity sales in the state, representing an increase of 3917% in total renewable energy production. In 2022, Rhode Island codified a goal of requiring electric suppliers to annually increase renewable energy generation until reaching 100% by 2033.
• Electric vehicles: As of 2023 Rhode Island had a total of 5,943 electric vehicles registered in the state up from 83 in 2014. 

“Rhode Island has work to do to meet its renewable energy goals,” said Wilmouth. “But, our progress to date should give us the confidence to do more.”

In addition to highlighting states leading the way on 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 2024 as in 2015. The authors recommend that Congress keeps in place federal clean energy tax credits that allow more Americans to choose clean energy. They also encourage lawmakers and regulators to adopt policies for permitting and interconnection that make adopting clean energy technologies hassle-free.

“When we reduce energy waste and replace polluting energy sources with renewables, we’re building a safer, healthier world for ourselves and future generations,” said Wilmouth.