Concerns are rising about the future of renewable energy development in Oklahoma as efforts grow to impose a statewide ban on new wind and solar projects. Despite these challenges, Oklahoma has already become a key player in the clean energy sector, a role that continues to evolve.
The state is firmly positioned in the renewable energy landscape, having quickly emerged as a wind energy leader in the early 2000s. Today, Oklahoma ranks third in the nation for installed wind capacity, with 12,648 megawatts as of April 2024. Among its upcoming projects is a 241-megawatt wind farm led by RWE, along with a 598-megawatt project being developed by SWEPCO, set to begin operations by the end of this year.
However, removing wind energy from the equation would significantly hinder Oklahoma’s renewable energy prospects. According to the U.S. Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA), the state ranks 40th in solar development, with just over 376 megawatts of installed capacity as of Q3 2024. This is a marked improvement, though, as just one year ago, Oklahoma had only 46 megawatts. SEIA predicts the state’s solar capacity will grow rapidly, climbing to 30th place within five years.
A key driver of this growth is the boom in data centers. Recently, Leeward Renewable Energy, based in Texas, announced plans to develop over 700 megawatts of solar capacity across three new projects, with some power already secured through long-term contracts with Google. One project, located in Mayes County, will more than double the state’s solar capacity overnight, with a three-array portfolio totaling 372 megawatts near Google’s data center in Pryor. Two other projects will bring the total to 724 megawatts (AC).
These solar projects are expected to provide significant benefits to Oklahoma’s energy grid, not just Google. The Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) is collaborating to optimize the regional transmission network, enhancing grid resilience and enabling efficient expansion. “In times of growing electricity demand, these solar projects offer a tangible solution,” Leeward Renewable Energy emphasized in a recent statement.
Power purchase agreements (PPAs) have been a cornerstone of the renewable energy boom in the U.S. since 2005, allowing developers to secure financial backing and tax incentives before starting construction. These agreements enable companies to procure renewable energy without hosting projects on their own land or making upfront investments.
While some states push back against clean energy development, companies like Google continue to push forward. In March 2023, Google and LevelTen Energy launched a new partnership to streamline the PPA process, cutting the time spent on transactions by 80%. Google’s recent agreements with Leeward Renewable Energy in Oklahoma are part of this accelerated procurement approach, which is transforming the clean energy market.
Oklahoma’s role in the U.S. energy sector is growing stronger, thanks to both its fossil energy resources and renewable energy initiatives. The state’s wind industry and its renewable energy projects like solar are setting an example for the rapid development needed to meet the rising demand for electricity while ensuring grid reliability.
The GRDA is fully on board with this shift. “Google’s support for these solar projects shows their commitment to meeting Oklahoma’s growing energy needs with secure, sustainable solutions,” said GRDA EVP John Wiscaver. He also highlighted the importance of the partnership in driving economic growth in northeastern Oklahoma.
State officials are also celebrating Oklahoma’s expanding role in the solar supply chain. In 2024, the state secured a $620 million deal for a new 5-gigawatt silicon ingot and solar wafer factory at Tulsa International Airport. Set to begin production in 2026, the factory will help address the current bottleneck in U.S. solar manufacturing.
However, not all news from Oklahoma’s Capitol is positive for renewable energy. Activists have been rallying for a statewide ban on new wind and solar projects. Additionally, Oklahoma’s potential to become a leading green hydrogen producer is under threat. The fertilizer industry, represented by CF Industries, is also invested in the state’s green hydrogen plans. CF proposes a 450-megawatt renewable energy project to produce green hydrogen for ammonia production in Oklahoma.
Though the Energy Department declined to fund CF’s green ammonia project last year, Oklahoma officials are hopeful that new state legislation will provide the necessary support, keeping the state’s green energy future alive.
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