PennEnvironment: PA ranks abysmal 47th in U.S. for renewable energy growth
Pennsylvania ranks 47th in the nation for rate of growth in total solar, wind and geothermal generation over the past decade, according to new data released by PennEnvironment.
The data is included in The State of Renewable Energy, an online interactive dashboard PennEnvironment recently posted. The dashboard shows the growth of six key clean energy technologies across the United States over the past decade, ranking Pennsylvania and other states for solar power, wind power, battery storage, energy efficiency, electric vehicles, and electric vehicle charging stations.
Renewable energy generation over the past decade in the Commonwealth has fallen well behind the national pace, only increasing by 81% compared to the national average increase of nearly 200%.
“Pennsylvanians want and need a cleaner, healthier future, powered by abundant renewable resources,” said Belle Sherwood, Climate and Clean Energy advocate with PennEnvironment. “Clearly Pennsylvania isn’t doing enough to tap into the benefits of clean energy at the rate of most other states.”
The percentage of electricity Pennsylvania gets from renewable sources has risen to only 5%, up from a stagnant 3% since 2016. Pennsylvania is still well behind similar energy states such as Texas, which gets 37% of its electricity from wind and solar.
“In the [PA] House Energy Committee, we are looking at every possible option for how to increase Pennsylvania’s energy generation so we can protect everyday households from rising energy costs,” said Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler. “Renewable energy is the clear answer, with solar and wind being the cheapest and fastest to build. Renewables offer us a real way forward, a more stabilized grid, and a more resilient energy sector.”
When it comes to electric vehicles (EVs), Pennsylvania now ranks 11th in percent increase in EV charging ports from 2016-2025. Thanks to federal funding and the state’s own investment in EV charging infrastructure, Pennsylvania added over 1,000 more EV charging ports since 2023.
“On one hand, we’re seeing rising electricity costs, aging infrastructure, and growing demand placing real pressure on our energy system,” said Will Hoover, McClure Company. “On the other hand, we have an enormous opportunity, because solar energy is more accessible, more affordable, and more impactful than ever before.”
To move the state from laggard to leader, PennEnvironment is calling on the General Assembly to pass legislation requiring utilities to get at least 35% of their power from renewable energy sources, pass new energy efficiency standards for appliances, and update the state’s energy conservation law.
“Investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency will allow nature to thrive and all of us to live healthier and more enriching lives,” said Sherwood. “This report is a reminder that although Pennsylvania has made some progress over the past decade, there is much more work to do to power our state with truly clean energy.”
