Mary Scott NabersFor those who worry that renewable energy projects could decline in number over the next several years, there is good news. There are no signs of a slowdown anywhere in the U.S. and in fact, it appears the opposite may be true. Numerous large renewable energy projects are about to launch throughout the country and funding support is available from many sources.
A $2.8 billion federal offshore wind project in Maryland is poised to become the nation’s tenth commercial-scale offshore wind farm, representing a very large and highly visible investment in renewable energy. The project will be overseen by the U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, and Maryland Department of the Environment. When completed, it will generate over 2,200 megawatts of clean energy – enough to power approximately 718,000 homes.
Located about 9 nautical miles offshore in Ocean City, Maryland, the project will consist of up to 114 wind turbines, four offshore substations, a meteorological tower, and up to four export cable corridors. The subsea cables will facilitate the transmission of electricity to the grid. Construction is planned for 2026, with the first phase expected to reach commercial operation by 2029.
Last year, the New York State Public Service Commission announced an ambitious goal – to achieve 6 gigawatts of energy storage by 2030. The projects to deliver that goal are now outlined as part of the state’s climate action plan. The initiative seeks to expand energy storage capacity to support the transition to clean energy, enhance grid reliability, and increase the use of solar and wind power – ultimately contributing to cleaner air and a more sustainable future.
State officials approved $2.1 billion for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to support storage projects across the bulk, commercial, and residential sectors. The delivery of 3,000 megawatts of bulk energy storage will represent about half of the state’s overall 6-gigawatt goal. Bulk energy storage operates like a battery for the electric grid, capturing and storing excess energy for use when demand is high or renewable sources, like solar and wind, aren’t producing enough power. This capability enhances the reliability and efficiency of renewable energy, making it a more dependable part of the energy mix. The total procurement cost for the bulk energy storage component of the project is estimated at $1.42 billion.
Three contracting solicitations for bulk energy storage solutions will be released, with the first solicitation expected later this month. It will be followed by additional solicitations in 2026 and 2028. All funded projects will be designed to deliver a 5 megawatts capacity of alternating currents by using commercially available, proven technology and being capable of connecting to the New York power grid.
A $20+ million hydroelectric project is planned for the Robert C. Byrd Hydro Electric Dam in Mason County, West Virginia. A 28.5-megawatt hydroelectric facility will be upgrade the existing locks and dam on the Ohio River. It will convert two decommissioned lock chambers at the dam into fully functional hydroelectric generating stations. When completed, the work will allow approximately 165,000 megawatts of renewable electricity to be generated annually – enough to power more than 15,000 average homes. The system design will not require construction of new dams or reservoirs, ensuring minimal impact on river flow and aquatic ecosystems. Instead, the work will utilize the existing lock infrastructure, reducing both environmental disruption and capital costs.
Two reinforced concrete powerhouses, each approximately 110 feet wide and 142.5 feet long, will house a total of six pit turbine-generator units. The facility will include intake and discharge structures, electrical interconnection facilities and access roads, along with upgraded control and monitoring systems to ensure reliable operation. Currently this project is in the planning phase and construction is slated for 2026.
Last November, Ann Arbor voters approved $59 million in funding for construction of a new sustainable energy utility. The new community-owned utility will provide 100% renewable energy from local solar, geothermal, and battery storage systems. It will not replace the local investor-owned utility company, instead it will supplement and enhance the local power grid by reducing energy rates and improving service reliability.
Project components include construction of a new power system with rooftop solar and battery storage at residential and commercial locations. Eventually, the network will expand to integrate community solar and networked geothermal systems to microgrids connecting homes and businesses. Officials in Ann Arbor will also launch projects to improve efficiency citywide through weatherization, upgraded lighting and energy-efficient appliances. The new solar and battery storage systems will generate 20 megawatts of power, which will guarantee stable rates. Planning documents also outline future projects that will involve more expansion and other efforts to support the city’s goal of 100% renewable energy by 2030. City staff members are currently meeting with potential investors to secure seed funding for the first phase of the project. While planning is still underway and various financing options are being evaluated, officials expect to announce construction timelines soon.
Officials for the Northern California Power Agency (ARCHES) have a $12.6 billion plan to create a large hydrogen hub network. As part of this initiative, the utility will lead a major effort to expand hydrogen power generation and build clean hydrogen hubs across California. One key project within the broader plan is estimated at $208.29 million.
Backed by funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, the initiative will launch numerous projects to develop a clean hydrogen market. In total, the ARCHES program will encompass about 35 projects to implement hydrogen power for utilities, transportation, port operations, and research and development. ARCHES is a coalition led by the California Governor’s Office of Business and Development in strong collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy and more than 400 regional stakeholders from higher education institutions, trade unions, and local governments.
One key project in the ARCHES initiative will focus on the Lodi Energy Center, a natural gas energy facility that will be converted to operate using a hydrogen-blend-powered turbine. The conversion work will modify the plant to produce hydrogen onsite and use clean hydrogen to produce power. It will add a hydrogen production system, modify the turbine, build storage and piping, and add controls and monitoring systems. When complete, the energy center will produce clean energy, improve the state’s energy grid reliability, and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The project is currently moving through the design and planning phases which are scheduled to end in early 2026. Officials will release contracting solicitation then after that.
Funding for renewable energy projects is not limited to federal programs and state allocations, it is also available at the local levels of government. Visionary leaders at colleges, universities, school districts, airports, cities, and counties are also leveraging their resources to launch clean energy initiatives that not only advance sustainability goals but also significantly reduce long-term power costs.
