Awards Going to Sen. Grassley, Gov. Reynolds, and IEDA Director Durham
New Report Highlights $25 Billion in Utility-Scale Clean Power Investments in Iowa

Ankeny, IA – The American Clean Power Association (ACP) and Power Up Iowa (PUI) will honor U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley, Governor Kim Reynolds, and Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Director Debi Durham as Champions of Clean Energy. Thanks to their leadership, Iowa has increased diversification in agriculture income, generated substantial tax revenue for Iowa’s rural communities, and improved the state’s renewable energy portfolio.

In advance of the award ceremony, ACP today released a new report detailing the significant contributions made in Iowa from utility-scale clean energy projects. The Clean Energy Powers Iowa report finds that 61% of the state’s energy capacity is currently generated through solar and wind projects. Clean energy capacity in the state now stands at 13,278 megawatts (MW), enough to power 4.2 million homes.

“Iowa is a clean energy success story, producing and using clean power for a greater share of the state’s electricity generation mix than any other state. Thanks to the leadership of Senator Grassley and Governor Reynolds, Iowa has achieved this success with broad public support,” said ACP CEO Jason Grumet. “Senator Grassley has long championed the partnership between clean energy and Iowa’s rural and agricultural communities. Governor Reynolds is leading the nation in demonstrating the economic benefits of clean energy in local communities and the statewide economy. IED Director Durham has enabled a culture of innovation that has propelled small business development and local investment into the state’s clean energy economy. It is a great pleasure to acknowledge Senator Grassley, Governor Reynolds, and Director Durham and the example they have set for the nation.”

The Champions luncheon on Friday, December 15, will also mark the 40th anniversary of Iowa’s renewable portfolio standard and the 30th anniversary of the Wind Energy Incentives Act of 1993, authored by Sen. Grassley.

“I have always been a strong champion of renewable energy and the ability for farmers to diversify their operations through some of Iowa’s most bountiful resources: wind and solar,” said Senator Chuck Grassley. “I am honored to be recognized by the American Clean Power Association for my work on behalf of the people of Iowa, and I look forward to our continued work to grow renewable energy opportunities across Iowa.”

Building on the momentum of tax incentives announced in the last year, billions more in investments are projected by 2030. Iowa report highlights include:

• $25 Billion – Today’s total private sector investment in Iowa’s utility-scale solar, wind, and storage projects.
• $13 Billion – The expected private sector investment through clean energy projects that will support Iowa’s clean energy economy by 2030.
• $73.4 Million – The amount paid annually through Iowa land lease payments.
• $61.5 Million – The annual investment in local and state taxes paid by the industry.
• Nearly 5,500 Iowa jobs are supported by the clean energy industry.

“It’s a privilege to help honor these dynamic leaders in the renewable energy space,” said Des Moines Area Community College President Rob Denson. “Their leadership has a long reach – from economic development and homegrown energy to the production of high-paying careers for DMACC’s graduates. When the renewable energy industry grows, Iowa grows with it.”

A Celebration of Clean Energy in Iowa – Champions of Clean Energy Awards Luncheon
Date: Friday, December 15, 2023
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: FFA Enrichment Center, 1055 SW Prairie Trail Pkwy, Ankeny, IA 50023 (DMACC’s main campus)

To RSVP for the event contact Mak Heddens at mheddens@strategicelements.com or 515-450-2954.

CONTACT:
Sabrina Fang
Sfang@cleanpower.org
703-283-2091 

Mak Heddens
mheddens@strategicelements.com
515-450-2954 

About PUI 

Power Up Iowa, an initiative of the American Clean Power Association, is a statewide coalition of renewable energy supporters advocating for local, state and federal policies and initiatives that enhance Iowa’s wind and solar energy investment. By educating, raising awareness, and participating in conversations with our state’s leaders, Power Up Iowa will help make the case for renewable energy investment to revive and drive our local economies.

Image: U.S. Annual and Cumulative Clean Power Capacity Growth. Source: Clean Power Quarterly Market Report | Q3 2023

WASHINGTON DC, November 1 – The American Clean Power Association (ACP) today released the Clean Power Quarterly Market Report | Q3 2023, showing that the industry brought online 5,551 megawatts (MW) of utility-scale clean power capacity in the third quarter of 2023, enough to power 813,000 American homes. Third quarter installations increased 13% over the same period in 2022 and set a record for the strongest third quarter to date. Across the country, clean energy developers began commercial operations at 88 projects across 24 states.

The U.S. now has over 243 gigawatts (GW) of operating clean power, providing over 16% of U.S. electricity, enough electricity to power the equivalent of nearly 65 million homes.

“The demand for American clean energy is undeniable,” said ACP CEO Jason Grumet. “Even as we face a number of near-term challenges, these record-breaking numbers tell us that the U.S. clean energy sector continues to grow on a healthy, long-term trajectory.”

Grid-scale battery storage is being installed rapidly, having already exceeded total 2022 installations in just nine months. The industry connected 2,142 MW / 6,227 MWh of storage in the third quarter, bringing year-to-date installations to 4,374 MW / 13,444 MWh. Solar installed 3,121 MW in the quarter, outpacing the rate of installations in 2022 but slightly behind 2021 volumes. Just 288 MW of land-based wind capacity were commissioned in the third quarter, a 77% decline year-over-year. Year-to-date installations of solar, wind, and storage fell 6% as a slow first quarter and a sharp decrease in third quarter wind capacity additions contributed to the decline in year-to-date installation volumes.

Clean Power Pipeline: Projects Under Construction or in Advanced Development

While the full impacts of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) are yet to be determined, the IRA’s effect on the clean energy industry is evidenced by the growth in utility-scale project development pipeline. As of the end of Q3 2023, the project pipeline increased 10% year-over-year to 145,545 MW. There are currently 59,568 MW under construction and 85,977 MW in advanced development. The battery storage pipeline is strongest, having grown by an impressive 50% year-over-year, while the solar pipeline increased 8%.

Clean Power Procurement

Although quarterly installation levels surpassed 2022 levels in Q2 and Q3 of this year, power purchase agreement (PPA) announcements remain tepid amidst market headwinds. In the third quarter, 3.1 GW of PPAs were announced, a 55% drop from the same period in 2022.

Key Highlights | Q3 2023

• Installations: Developers began commercial operations at 88 projects across 24 states in Q3. The industry installed 5,551 MW of utility-scale clean energy in Q3, representing enough power for 813,000 American homes.
• Pipeline: Solar continues to dominate the project pipeline, accounting for 58% of clean power capacity currently under development. Battery storage and land-based wind each represent 15% of the pipeline, with offshore wind making up 12%.
• Sector Snapshot: Overall, solar led the quarter with 3,121 MW of installations, with battery and land-based wind following at 2,142 MW and 288 MW, respectively.
• Delays: Since the end of 2021, over 56 GW of clean power capacity has been delayed. This includes 16,639 MW of projects that were expected to come online during the first three quarters of 2023.
  • Accounting for 67% of all delays, solar projects appear to be most impacted.
  • On average, projects are delayed by 14 months.
• Power Purchase Agreements: Through Q3 of 2023, solar comprised 59% of all PPA announcements while land-based wind represented 32%.
  • Compared to Q3 of 2022, solar PPA announcements for this quarter decreased by 59%, wind by 21%, and battery storage by 55%.
• Progress to Date: Across the U.S., cumulative operating clean power capacity now stands at over 243 GW, accounting for 16% of total electricity generation.
  • California, a leader in clean energy, accounted for 1,900 MW (34% of clean power commissioned in Q3), while Texas and Arizona took the second and third spots, with 949 MW and 516 MW respectively.
  • Cumulatively in 2023, California leads the nation with 3,031 MW installed, followed by Texas, which added 2,381 MW to the grid and Florida, which added 1,578 MW.

A scaled-down version of the report is available to the public, with ACP membership granting access to the full Clean Power Quarterly Market Report | Q3 2023.

“The clean power industry is disappointed in this misguided approach. When the current moratoria expire in June of next year, these tariffs will start harming American consumers and begin slowing the clean energy transition without productively addressing supply chain concerns. 

American solar companies are working hard to deliver clean power to American homes and businesses. In the last year alone, American companies have announced a record 52 new or expanded solar manufacturing facilities. Today’s decision by the Commerce Department threatens this progress.  

ACP will continue to work closely with the Commerce Department to advocate for a better way to grow the domestic solar supply chain and ensure continued progress toward our nation’s environmental and security goals.” 

WASHINGTON, August 7, 2023 – Today, the American Clean Power Association (ACP) released data showing that unprecedented federal support has led to the announcement of private investments totaling $271 billion in domestic clean energy projects and manufacturing facilities over the past 12 months. This exceeds the combined clean energy investments made over the previous eight years.

The latest Clean Energy Investing in America report details the extent of the clean energy renaissance spreading across the country since federal clean energy incentives were signed into law last August. Once completed, these investments and projects will strengthen our energy independence, improve air quality, and support one million American clean energy jobs. 

“Investment in clean energy production and manufacturing is surging. New jobs and revenue are bringing opportunity and optimism to rural communities across the country. America’s manufacturing centers are competing to meet new clean energy demand with a new domestic wind, solar or storage manufacturing facility announced every four days,” said ACP CEO Jason Grumet. “ACP member companies are powering the U.S. economy with clean, reliable, and affordable American energy. The United States has the technology, human capital, and financial capacity to achieve clean energy dominance. The only question is whether government policy will allow us to build the clean energy infrastructure in time to seize this opportunity.” 

Highlights from the report include public announcements from the past year of: 

• 184,850 megawatts (MW) of new utility-scale clean energy capacity 
• $4.5 billion in consumer savings 
• 29,780 new manufacturing jobs  
• Over $22 billion in manufacturing investment 
• 83 new or expanded utility-scale clean energy manufacturing facilities – equivalent to a manufacturing facility being announced every four days 

Manufacturing facilities for utility-scale clean energy components have been announced in districts across the country, and multiple states have announced five or more facilities, including Georgia (7), Tennessee (6), South Carolina (6), Texas (5), and Colorado (5). 

The report also unveils a significant uptick in the manufacturing capacity of clean power components, thanks to the 83 announced facilities. Should currently announced manufacturing facilities reach operation, ACP estimates a nearly ninefold increase in solar module production and a more than fifteenfold increase in grid-scale battery storage, along with significant increases in production output for solar cells, polysilicon, ingots and wafers, blades, towers, and nacelles. 

The Path Ahead 

This data reveals that the industry is planning to build clean energy faster than ever before. However, supply chain issues, inflation and opposition driven by misinformation are all hindering renewable energy development and must be addressed in order to reach the full potential of the incentives provided. 

Additionally, Congress still needs to pass permitting reforms to unlock the full potential of existing energy laws. If it continues to take five to 10 years to permit a clean energy facility, these investments will be stymied. 

While some improvements were made in the recent debt limit deal, there is plenty of room for more commonsense reforms that make the process more efficient while safeguarding environmental protection. It is also imperative that Congress find common ground on transmission policy to ensure that cheap, abundant clean energy can find its way to consumers. 

Read ACP’s new Clean Energy Investing in America report here.  

WASHINGTON DC, August 3, 2023 – The American Clean Power Association (ACP) released the Clean Power Quarterly Market Report | Q2 2023 today, showing that the industry installed 5,218 megawatts (MW) of utility-scale solar, wind, and storage capacity in the second quarter – representing enough clean generation to power nearly 1 million American homes and making Q2 2023 the second-highest second quarter for clean power installations. The report also finds a significant 13% increase in clean power projects under construction or in advanced development compared to the same time last year.

“Clean power installations returned to growth, with the clean energy industry logging its second-best second quarter as America forges ahead toward a clean power future,” said John Hensley, VP of Research and Analytics. “Despite persistent headwinds from regulatory, trade, and supply chain pressures, clean power project additions rebounded as developers managed through delays and worked to keep projects on schedule. To help maintain this momentum, especially as the clean power pipeline grows, we continue to urge policy makers to find bipartisan solutions to address the supply chain and federal permitting challenges obstructing America’s full job-creating clean energy potential.” 

Throughout the second quarter of 2023, clean energy developers commissioned 105 clean power projects across 38 states. Solar accounted for over 50% of clean power capacity installed, with storage accounting for nearly 30%. The increase in battery storage installations from the second quarter of 2022 was notable – the segment experienced 32% growth.  

Clean Power Pipeline: Projects Under Construction or in Advanced Development 

Though it is still too early to observe the effects of last year’s unprecedented federal incentives on clean power installations, their preliminary influence can be observed partially via the new-build pipeline which encompasses 145,592 MW of clean power potential, representing both projects currently under construction and those in advanced development stages.  

Compared to the same time last year, projects in the solar pipeline increased 16%, with solar now accounting for 59% of America’s entire clean power project pipeline. The battery storage project pipeline grew an astonishing 45%, now composing 15% of all clean power projects currently under development. Meanwhile, the wind power pipeline increased 8% quarter-over-quarter, showing its first positive change since the third quarter of 2021. 

Project Delays 

Project delays continue to mount with developers reporting 12 GW of new delays in the second quarter. By the end of the second quarter of 2023, accumulated project delays totaled 55 GW. On average these projects have been delayed 13 months as component procurement challenges, trade frictions, higher costs, regulatory delays, and other challenges have held up projects. Despite these delays, more than half of that capacity is expected to be online by the end of the year.  

 Key Highlights | Q2 2023 

• Installations: The industry installed 5,218 MW of clean power in Q2 2023 – representing enough electricity to power nearly 928,000 American homes and making Q2 2023 the second-highest second quarter to date after Q2 2021. 
• Pipeline: Now encompassing 145,592 MW of clean power, the development pipeline grew by 13% compared with the second quarter of 2022, and grew by 43% compared with the second quarter of 2021. 
  • Of the sectors, the battery storage pipeline showed the most significant increase with a 45% growth. 
• Sector Snapshot: Solar led the quarter (2,740 MW), followed by battery storage (1,510 MW) and wind (968 MW).  
• Delays: 35 GW of clean power expected online prior to Q3 2023 have been delayed. 
  • More than half of this power is still expected to come online by the end of this year. 
• Power Purchase Agreements: PPA announcements have decreased by 57% compared with the Q2 2022. 
  • Corporate announcements fell by 63%, while utility announcements rose by 49% 
• Progress to Date: Cumulatively, operating clean power capacity in the U.S. is now more than 237 GW, accounting for 15.1% of electricity generated. 
  • Texas, the clean power hub, leads with 26,353 MW (18% of total operating U.S. clean power). California follows with 15,918 MW (11%), and New York ranks third with 9,085 MW (6%). 
  • Leading 2023 clean power installations is Florida (1,497 MW), followed by Texas (1,428 MW) and California (1,129 MW). 

Download the Clean Power Quarterly Market Report | Q2 2023. 

ACP plans to fully review the final National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Phase 2 rule to better understand how it will impact clean energy permitting. We believe NEPA can be reformed to reduce permitting delays without diminishing the intent of the act to consider the environmental effects of federal actions. ACP looks forward to working with CEQ and Congress as they consider further permitting reforms to ensure they strike the right balance of making the process more efficient and workable, while preserving thorough reviews.

WASHINGTON DC, July 5, 2023 – The clean energy industry made record contributions to the electric grid in Texas, powering – and cooling – Americans’ homes while keeping costs low during the most recent heatwave, according to an ACP analysis and the latest data available.

Between June 19 and June 30, renewable resources delivered an average of 30% of the electric grid’s power needs during the peak 10% of demand hours. This includes the all-time record for demand on ERCOT, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. Strong renewable generation throughout the heatwave helped sustain the grid and kept electricity prices down.

“Our industry’s investment in solar, wind and storage in ERCOT has paid off for Texans during this heatwave,” said Jason Grumet, ACP Chief Executive Officer. “Clean power is keeping the lights on at an affordable cost, cooling homes and businesses, and keeping people safe. The performance of renewable resources during this extreme weather event demonstrate the importance of resource diversity to grid resilience and economic security.”

Texas ranks 1st in the nation for installed wind energy capacity and 2nd in solar and storage. Wind energy alone produces 22% of all electricity in the state. This reliable, domestic energy reduces water use and produces zero emissions, while promoting economic growth. Clean power has brought over $83.2 billion of investment into Texas, generating over $297 million in state and local taxes and delivering $301 million annually to Texans via land lease payments. 

“Tonight’s vote was necessary to avoid a default on the nation’s debt and avoid a self-inflicted wound on the American economy and the number of trickle-down impacts—to consumers and entire industries—that would follow. 

“And while ACP is appreciative of the steps taken to include much-needed reforms to improve efficiency of the permitting process for clean energy projects, it’s critical that Congress build upon these initial steps and tackle comprehensive, meaningful reform to improve our nation’s clean power transmission capabilities and bring about the clean energy future America needs.  

“Clean power has become an indispensable source of electricity generation throughout the U.S. with the majority of electricity generation added to the grid last year coming from wind, solar, and battery storage. But if that clean power can’t reach families and businesses who need it due to unnecessary delays and hurdles in connecting it to America’s power grid, we will fail to meet our nation’s economic, national security and climate imperatives.”