Tennessee Lags Far Behind Nation on Solar and Wind Energy, New Report Shows

NASHVILLE, Tennessee ranks last in the nation for solar, wind, and geothermal energy production, according to a new report from advocacy group Environment America. The state generated the equivalent of just 1 percent of its electricity from solar last year, a dramatic gap compared to the national picture.

Across the United States, 32 states now produce at least a tenth of their power from solar, wind, or geothermal. South Dakota leads the nation with 95 percent renewable energy, up from 31 percent a decade ago, driven largely by wind farms. Other states have seen rapid acceleration: Wyoming jumped from 55 percent to 75 percent renewable energy in 2025 alone, while Maine climbed from 31 percent to 52 percent between 2023 and 2025. Even energy-hungry Texas now generates 37 percent of its electricity from renewable sources, while California produces 49 percent.

The economic case for renewables has strengthened considerably. Solar and battery storage represent the fastest and cheapest power source to deploy without subsidies, according to Lazard, a global financial services firm. The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts that solar, wind, and battery projects will account for roughly 93 percent of new electricity generation in the country this year, despite Trump administration policies cutting renewable incentives and supporting fossil fuels.

For Tennessee manufacturers and businesses looking to attract investment and skilled workers, the state's energy profile matters. Companies increasingly prioritize locations with affordable, clean power and forward-looking energy infrastructure. While Tennessee's traditional reliance on hydro and nuclear power has served the state well, the absence of significant solar and wind capacity signals a missed opportunity. The report underscores a critical reality: Tennessee, despite its industrial strength and quality workforce, is falling behind neighboring states in the energy transition that will define the next two decades of American manufacturing and business development.