5 surprising facts about renewable energy growth in Texas

According to Renewables on the Rise 2024, the eighth edition of our annual report on the state of clean energy in America, Texas now generates 7,016% more solar power and roughly 200% more wind power than it did in 2014. This increase means that we can power an additional 10,297,840 households each year with clean energy.

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

1. Texas generated more solar energy in 2023 alone than all in-state solar generation before 2021 combined.

Texas produced 31,739 GWh of solar energy last year, up from 446 GWh in 2014. This was enough to bring us to second in the national solar rankings.

2. Battery storage did not exist in Texas until 2014, now we’re second in the country.

As of 2023, Texas has installed 3.42 gigawatts of battery storage capacity. This ranks Texas second in the country.

3. There are now 210,433 electric vehicles registered in Texas.

The number of EVs has grown 3901% since 2014. Texas is ranked third in the country in terms of EV growth in the past 10 years.

4. Texas added 2,305 EV charging ports in 2023.

This was a 36% increase from 2022 and a 359% increase from 2014. Texas now ranks 4th in the country in EV charging ports installed.

5. Texas is generating roughly 3 times 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. Texas is ranked first in the country in wind generation.

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, Texas 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 Texas by taking action below.