Metro Denver
Green Energy
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and a statewide transition to clean energy are integral to preserving Colorado’s way of life.
- PColorado is one of the most environmentally friendly states.
- PColorado is home to: The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
- PColorado’s electricity from renewable sources has more than doubled since 2010 to 30% of net generation in 2020, led by increased wind and solar power.
- PThe Metro Denver area is fourth among the nation’s 50 largest metro areas, for “Cleantech” employment concentration.
- PColorado ranked 12th in the nation for installed solar capacity, with 1,055.17 MW of solar energy installed as of 2020.
- PColorado is home to more than 454 solar companies, employing about 6,000 people throughout the state.
Colorado is a leader in renewable energy, with investments in wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, small hydroelectric and other renewable energy resources. In 2004, the state passed the first voter-led Renewable Energy Standard in the nation, requiring electricity utilities to obtain a percentage of their power from renewable energy sources. The legislature has increased the minimum requirements three times since 2004, spurring the development hundreds of new renewable energy projects across the state.
Renewable energy provides substantial benefits for Colorado including:
- PProviding new electric generation that reduces the energy sector’s impact on public health and the environment
- PDiversifying the state’s electricity portfolio, thereby increasing the resiliency of the electrical grid
- PInsulating customers from volatile fuel prices
- PSupporting jobs and economic development
