State of solar strong in Colorado and across nation

The renewable energy sector, particularly solar power, has seen significant growth in the United States, largely propelled by the escalating energy demands of data centers. Despite initial legislative attempts to curtail renewable energy tax credits and new regulations from the Interior Department aimed at restricting clean energy development on federal lands, solar expansion has continued. Hannah Hess, director of the Rhodium Group's Clean Investment Monitor team, noted that data indicates a strong build-out of solar and battery storage capacity, which are projected to account for 79 percent of new power generation by 2025. Support for solar is also increasing among conservatives, especially when framed as a means to lower electricity costs, a point emphasized by the Solar Energy Industries Association. Data center developers are increasingly turning to solar, not as a rival, but as a crucial complement to traditional energy sources like oil and gas. Jim DesJardins, executive director of the Renewable Energy Industries Association of New Mexico, highlighted the "crazy" demand from data centers, overshadowing other energy loads. The shortage of gas turbines in the US is causing years-long delays for new natural gas power plants, making solar a more viable and faster option. While federal land regulations pose some challenges, the primary bottlenecks for solar development and data center projects remain local permitting and interconnection with utilities. To address these issues, the House passed the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at streamlining the permitting process by overhauling the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Furthermore, geopolitical events like the war in Iran are bolstering interest in solar as a means to combat rising electricity costs and enhance energy independence.