Despite setbacks, NC’s clean energy sector still has plenty of charge
Rising electricity costs and growing data center power demand are increasing interest in solar generation and battery storage across North Carolina. Clean energy advocates say the sector remains resilient despite policy uncertainty, while state officials debate how to prevent data center expansion from shifting costs onto existing electricity customers.
North Carolina’s clean energy sector is facing setbacks from changing federal policies, weaker electric vehicle demand and the cancellation or delay of several projects. However, rising electricity prices and the substantial power needs of data centers are driving renewed interest in solar power and battery storage among homeowners and businesses.
Gov. Josh Stein has said data centers should consider clean energy sources rather than relying solely on grid upgrades. Matt Abele of the N.C. Sustainable Energy Association said the sector remains strong despite roughly 1,000 job losses since late 2025, while CleanAIRE NC policy manager Andrew Whiteman called for clearer state and federal policies to support long-term investment. The N.C. General Assembly has also scrapped interim carbon-reduction goals planned for 2030, citing economic and power-generation concerns.