• Green Glow
  • Posts
  • 🌱 Blown Away! These 10 States Are Crushing It with Renewable Energy 🌬️☀️

🌱 Blown Away! These 10 States Are Crushing It with Renewable Energy 🌬️☀️

Discover the top 10 U.S. states leading in renewable energy in 2024. From wind to solar, see who's powering a cleaner, greener America.

Author

Green Glow
April 08, 2025

In partnership with

Find out why 1M+ professionals read Superhuman AI daily.

In 2 years you will be working for AI

Or an AI will be working for you

Here's how you can future-proof yourself:

  1. Join the Superhuman AI newsletter – read by 1M+ people at top companies

  2. Master AI tools, tutorials, and news in just 3 minutes a day

  3. Become 10X more productive using AI

Join 1,000,000+ pros at companies like Google, Meta, and Amazon that are using AI to get ahead.

Clean energy is booming in America, and while the usual suspects like California and Texas get a lot of the glory, some under-the-radar states are quietly becoming renewable rockstars. Based on 2024 data from Environment America, we’re taking a look at the top 10 U.S. states generating the highest percentage of their electricity from renewable sources like wind, solar, and geothermal.

Let’s dive into the leaders who are blowing us away 

Table of Contents

1. South Dakota – 92%

South Dakota is setting the pace with an astonishing 92% of its electricity coming from renewables — up from 70% just last year. The Mount Rushmore State has harnessed its vast wind power potential in a big way, and even solar is starting to shine, with a six-fold increase in just one year!

Why it’s impressive:

  • Most of its clean power comes from wind

  • Rapid solar growth shows it’s just getting started

2. Iowa – 83%

Known for cornfields, but killing it in wind energy, Iowa gets 83% of its electricity from renewables. While wind is the heavyweight, don’t count out solar — it has more than doubled since 2020.

Why it’s impressive:

  • Strong wind infrastructure

  • Rapid growth in solar is diversifying the mix

3. Kansas – 74%

Kansas is catching serious wind! Ranking 4th in total wind production nationwide, the Sunflower State now meets 74% of its electricity needs with renewables. And with solar potential that could generate 378 times its 2020 electricity demand, Kansas has room to grow.

Why it’s impressive:

  • Nearly three-quarters powered by renewables

  • Sky-high solar potential waiting to be tapped

4. New Mexico – 67%

With sweeping deserts and sunny skies, New Mexico is embracing its solar destiny. The state has pledged to go 100% clean by 2045 and is already getting 67% of its electricity from renewables. Wind and solar both saw massive growth from 2015 to 2024.

Why it’s impressive:

  • 631% increase in wind and 567% in solar since 2015

  • Strong climate commitment baked into policy

5. Wyoming – 57%

This rugged state is more than cowboys and coal — Wyoming is wind-rich, and renewables now produce 57% of its electricity. While it ranks 16th in total wind generation, the state has untapped potential to climb even higher.

Why it’s impressive:

  • Steady progress in a traditionally fossil-heavy state

  • Home to some of the strongest wind resources in the U.S.

6. Oklahoma – 54%

Wind power in Oklahoma isn’t just strong — it’s dominant. In 2024, wind outpaced fossil fuel generation, helping the state reach 54% renewables. While solar production is modest now, Oklahoma’s solar potential could meet 152 times its 2020 energy needs.

Why it’s impressive:

  • 3rd in the nation for wind generation

  • Solar is a sleeping giant here

7. North Dakota – 51%

Another state crossing the halfway mark! North Dakota now generates 51% of its electricity from renewables, with wind leading the charge. And if you thought this snowy state couldn’t do solar — think again. It has the potential to produce 455 times its 2021 electricity needs from solar.

Why it’s impressive:

  • 8th in the U.S. for wind production

  • Massive untapped solar potential

8. Nevada – 46%

Bright lights, big solar! Nevada, one of the sunniest places in the country, is 5th in total solar production. In 2024, 46% of its electricity came from renewables, and solar continues to be its shining star.

Why it’s impressive:

  • Dominates in solar production

  • Solar growth shows no signs of slowing down

9. Maine – 44%

Maine is quietly making a name for itself with a sharp rise in solar and wind energy. In just four years, its solar production skyrocketed by 18 times. In 2024, 44% of its electricity came from renewables — a huge leap forward.

Why it’s impressive:

  • Solar growth has been explosive

  • Great example of progress in a smaller state

10. Colorado – 43%

Rounding out the top 10, Colorado combines solid wind and solar resources with progressive energy policies to reach 43% renewable electricity. The Centennial State is proving that political will and natural assets are a powerful combo.

Why it’s impressive:

  • Strong state policies drive momentum

  • A solid mix of wind and solar energy

Why This Matters

These states prove that 100% clean energy isn’t just a dream — it’s a destination that many are racing toward. As technology improves and costs continue to fall, the path to a fossil-free grid becomes not just feasible, but inevitable. And it's not just about electricity — it's about cleaner air, healthier communities, and a more resilient energy system.

Conclusion

Whether it’s wind whipping across the plains or sunshine lighting up desert towns, America’s clean energy future is looking brighter than ever. These top 10 states are leading the charge — and the rest of the country can follow in their footsteps.

FAQs

What is the #1 state for renewable energy in 2024?

As of 2024, South Dakota leads the nation, generating 92% of its electricity from renewable sources, primarily wind.

Which types of renewable energy were considered in the rankings?

The rankings are based on the percentage of electricity generated from wind, solar, and geothermal energy, according to Environment America.

Are large states like California or Texas on the list?

Surprisingly, no. While California and Texas produce large volumes of clean energy, these rankings are based on percent of total electricity sales, where smaller states with high renewable penetration take the lead.

Why are wind-heavy states dominating the top 10?

Wind is currently the most widely deployed renewable in many central and northern states due to strong wind corridors and vast open land — making it efficient and scalable.

Can solar energy grow in colder states like North Dakota or Maine?

Absolutely! Despite the colder climate, these states have significant solar potential and are already showing fast growth in solar deployment.

You May Also Like

Sponsored Links