A look at the renewable energy projects shaping our future

There’s no question that we need power. Nearly everything that we use in our daily life, from lights to transport, depends on it. But at this point, most of the world’s energy comes from fossil fuels — a staggering 81.5% in 2023. Our reliance on dirty power is rapidly propelling us towards a climate change tipping point.

But while fossil fuels still make up the bulk of the world’s power mix, there is hope: renewable energy use is increasing rapidly. By some estimates, renewable energy could fulfill up to two-thirds of the world’s energy needs by 2050. And the future of the planet hinges on reducing fossil fuel use and a transition to clean energy.

Renewable energy projects like solar farms, offshore wind, hydroelectric power, and even hydrogen fuel cells are paving the way for the clean energy transition. Support for projects like these is the way to achieve a sustainable planet and future, and anyone can help by starting a Change.org petition or advocating for renewable energy in their community.

If you want to become a champion for a clean energy future, here’s what you need to know about the renewable energy landscape today.

Critical mass: We need more renewable energy projects

Let’s start with a quick overview. Why is renewable energy so important?

As the climate crisis unfolds, global warming is accelerating — 2024 was the hottest summer on record. Our reliance on fossil fuels is the primary contributor to climate change.

How can we reverse this trend? It’s a simple-yet-complicated equation. If we could produce enough renewable energy to phase out fossil fuels while investing in carbon capture and carbon sequestration technologies, we could mitigate and possibly reverse the climate crisis. And we’re making some, though not enough, progress — solar and wind energy production hit an all-time production high in 2023.

Beyond the climate benefits, renewable energy projects strengthen the economy. The renewable energy industry is creating a much-needed boom in green employment. Clean energy is also good for the economy overall – in 2023, clean energy accounted for 10% of global gross domestic product (GDP) increase. By some estimates, doubling renewable energy’s share of global power use would increase global GDP by a staggering $1.3 trillion by 2030.

The bottom line? We need to advocate for a clean energy future.

Types of renewable energy development: What you need to know

Clean energy production is a complicated landscape filled with rapidly changing technology. Want a quick renewable energy primer? Here’s an overview of some of the main ways that renewable energy is produced and some major projects helping to address the climate crisis.

Solar energy: The flagship of the clean energy movement

Solar is often the first thing that comes to mind when people think of renewable energy, and with good reason — solar power is the fastest-growing clean energy source in the country. The solar panels popping up on roofs and in fields around the world are a highly visible reminder of the need for green power. Below are some notable solar projects.

The Libra Solar project

The Bureau of Land Management issued a decision approving this Nevada solar energy project on public lands in late 2024. It will be the largest solar project in Nevada history. Slated to begin producing solar power in 2027, this $2.3 billion solar energy and battery storage project will produce 700 megawatts of energy per year.

The Orion Solar Belt

In Buckholtz, Texas, one of the largest solar power projects in the country opened in October 2024 and will provide 875 megawatts of solar energy each year. Google signed a major contract to purchase clean power from the site — the largest solar energy purchase the company has ever made.

The Bhadla Solar Park

In the scorching desert of India lies one of the largest solar energy installations on the planet. The solar panels in the Bhadla solar park soak up the punishing desert sun and turn it into clean power, producing 2.7 gigawatts annually. When the 40,000-acre site reaches full capacity, it is projected to produce 3.5 GW per year, making it the largest solar energy site in the world.

Wind energy: An endless clean power source

Wind farms on land and offshore wind installations are growing rapidly in scale and number. Here are some recent wind power projects making a contribution to the planet’s renewable energy supply.

The Mingyang Smart Energy offshore wind energy turbine

In late 2024, Mingyang installed the world’s biggest offshore wind energy turbine in Hainan, China. This offshore wind behemoth generates enough renewable energy to power 96,000 homes each year.

The Alta Wind Energy Center wind farm

Located in Kern County, CA, this 3,200-acre wind farm is the largest in the United States. With 600 wind turbines, this massive installation produces over 3,000 GW of renewable energy each year.

The Revolution Offshore wind project

Approved by the Biden Harris administration in 2023 as part of their focus on renewable energy development, this massive commercial-scale offshore wind project will produce enough energy to power 250,000 homes by 2030.

Hydroelectric power: Tapping water for clean energy

Harnessing the power of water through dams and waterfalls, hydroelectric power is one of the planet’s top clean energy sources. While global droughts have impacted hydroelectric production in recent years, it still makes up a substantial portion of the world’s clean power production, accounting for over 90% of the world’s stored energy. Here are some notable hydroelectric energy projects.

Three Gorges dam in Hubei, China

The world’s biggest hydropower facility, this dam leverages the power of the Yangtze River, and has the capacity to generate up to 22,500 megawatts per year.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance dam

In Ethiopia, the African Continent’s largest hydroelectric facility is under construction. When complete, the $4.6 billion-dollar dam will generate power for the homes of millions.

Geothermal energy: power from the earth’s core

Harnessing natural energy from within the earth, geothermal energy draws heat up from beneath the earth’s crust and transforms it into electricity. Here are some major geothermal projects that will contribute to the clean energy transition.

The Fervo Cape geothermal power project

This project was recently approved by the Biden Harris Administration as part of a sweeping move to enable more geothermal projects. The proposed Utah geothermal site may generate up to two gigawatts of geothermal energy, more than doubling current geothermal capacity in the U.S.

The Baltazor geothermal development project

This Nevada project was approved by the Bureau of Land Management and will involve constructing multiple geothermal plants and a high-voltage distribution line.

Bioenergy: Harnessing earth’s natural processes

Using things like food and crop waste, feedstocks like corn, and microalgae, bioenergy producers use plant- and algae-based sources like these to produce renewable energy. Here are some examples of biofuel producers that are helping transition to clean energy.

POET

This company is one of the world’s top biofuel producers. Leveraging corn, they make ethanol for biofuels and use the remaining biomass for things like corn oil and grain for distilleries. Their CO2 is captured and repurposed into products like dry ice.

Global Algae Innovations

This bioenergy start-up is harnessing the power of algae and carbon capture to produce biofuel for jet airplanes and diesel trucks. With a recent $3.6 million U.S. government grant, this XPRIZE-winning company is constructing a 160-acre algae farm that will capture polluting CO2 and use it to feed algae that will then be converted to fuel.

Hydrogen and fuel cell technology: Cutting-edge renewable energy

Hydrogen is the most common element, and after a special production process, it can transform into a clean and green fuel source. Hydrogen can be used like gasoline for modified internal combustion engines or to power fuel cells, which work like batteries (and can be powered by other sources). These technologies are still in their infancy, but many companies are betting big on them. Here are some major players in the green hydrogen sector.

Air Products

With over 100 hydrogen plants worldwide, they are one of the planet’s largest hydrogen suppliers and focus on converting commercial transport to clean and green hydrogen power.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory/Toyota

In 2022, the NREL and Toyota partnered on research to increase their ability to scale hydrogen. Since then, Toyota is leaning into this clean energy source, establishing fuel cell research centers and hydrogen fuel stations both in the United States and abroad.

The last mile: Getting clean energy to the grid

Increasing renewable energy production is important, but clean energy is useless if the power can’t make it to the grid where it can be utilized. That’s where generation tie lines and other connection options come into play. Here’s one notable project that’s helping get renewable energy where it needs to go.

Maricopa, AZ generation tie line project

The Bureau of Land Management recently approved a massive gen-tie renewable energy project in Maricopa County, AZ, to connect the 1,000-acre Harquahala Sun solar power facility to the power grid. The high-voltage line will transport up to 500 kilovolts of clean energy to the state’s power grid.

Tools for success: policy and legislation are key

So, how can we help fight to increase the renewable energy projects? For clean power to make a dent in the climate crisis, we need to enact policies and legislation that fund these projects and require renewable energy integration into the new and existing built environment.

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 was a great start. This powerhouse bill provided myriad incentives to support renewable projects and clean energy implementation across the county. But it’s up to federal, state, and local governments to implement these — and, in turn, it’s up to us to make sure they do. The voices of everyday people can make a powerful difference in

By advocating for renewable energy, we can help motivate policies, legislation, and investment that will help power a clean energy future.

Everyday citizens can get involved in the movement

There are many ways that you can get involved in the renewable energy movement, from advocating for renewable energy projects near you to writing your representative or starting a petition. Below are some winning examples of people who took action to advocate for renewable energy.

Renewable energy for new builds

This petition to the UK Parliament seeks to require renewable energy sources for all new construction in the UK. The petition is currently halfway to the 1,000 signature goal.

Canadian renewable energy projects

In Alberta, Canada, this petition asks the government to restart several renewable energy projects that were put on hold due to new government requirements for fossil fuel backup power. Over 10,000 supporters have signed thus far.

Renewable energy in Pennsylvania schools

A petition created by a 15-year-old high school student asks schools throughout Pennsylvania to transition to renewable energy. There are over 1,100 signatures to date.

Petition to halt new oil transport railway

In Utah, anti-fossil fuels activists are fighting a proposed new railway for oil companies operating in the Uinta Basin. This petition to President Joe Biden has almost reached the goal of 75,000 signatures.

Take action now and advocate for renewable energy

The future of our planet depends on reducing our use of fossil fuels. Renewable energy is the key. Become part of the renewable energy movement! By supporting a petition or starting one of your own, you can bring attention to and advocate for the importance of renewable energy projects.

Want to learn more about how to become a renewable energy champion? Start with one of our easy-to-use petition guides and take action.