The forecast for clean energy in the United States is encouraging, with the US Energy Information Administration predicting that it will represent 82% of utility-scale capacity by 2023. This indicates that clean energy is not just a passing trend, but a sustainable and permanent solution to our energy needs.
Leading the way in this transition are corporate energy customers and their procurement partners, who have voluntarily procured over 68 gigawatts of new clean energy capacity in the US since 2014. With new legislation-driven incentives such as the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, there is a sense of urgency to accelerate this clean energy transition even further.
However, it is important to note that this shift is not just about the quantity of clean energy, but also about the quality. Corporate energy customers and developers have an opportunity to foster market conditions that support climate, conservation, and community values while delivering resilient new clean energy projects.
These stakeholders are uniquely positioned to integrate environmental and social benefit considerations into their clean energy procurement strategies. By doing so, they can not only meet their sustainability goals but also enhance their brand value and mitigate risk. In fact, more than 60% of US corporate energy customers and developers believe that this approach will become the norm within five years.
To ensure a successful transition and avoid repeating past mistakes, a research study by Bain & Company, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and the Clean Energy Buyers Institute (CEBI) provides key insights and action steps for clean energy stakeholders. These steps include fostering collaboration between customers and developers, seeking opportunities for innovative financing, engaging policymakers, and leveraging technology and data for informed decision-making.
In conclusion, the future of clean energy is promising, and it is important for stakeholders to focus not only on increasing the quantity of clean energy but also on the quality and its impact on the environment and communities. By taking proactive steps and adopting a comprehensive approach, corporate energy customers and developers can play a pivotal role in accelerating the clean energy transition and creating a sustainable future for all.
Sources:
– US Energy Information Administration
– Bain & Company
– The Nature Conservancy
– Clean Energy Buyers Institute