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Where Clean Power Meets Local Innovation: 6 U.S. Cities with Big Clean Energy Wins
05/01/2025
Across the United States, cities are making bold moves to shift their energy use from fossil fuels to clean, renewable sources. While much of the attention often focuses on large coastal metros, some of the most ambitious and effective transformations are occurring in places many wouldn’t expect—cities in the heart of the country, often with diverse economic profiles and unique energy challenges.
A growing number of municipalities are not just setting renewable energy targets—they’re achieving them, deploying innovative programs, and building infrastructure that benefits both their residents and local economies. Here are six standout cities shaping the future of American energy:
1. Iowa City, Iowa
Clean Energy Milestone: Reached its 2030 emissions reduction goal—10 years ahead of schedule
Iowa City successfully achieved a 45% emissions reduction by 2020, driven largely by widespread wind energy adoption.
The city is also pioneering programs to bring clean energy benefits to underserved communities. A new rental electrification initiative incentivizes energy upgrades in rental homes in exchange for landlords accepting housing vouchers. Five rental properties are receiving upgrades in the program’s first phase.
Another notable step: Iowa City will introduce Iowa’s first patrol-rated electric police vehicle in 2025, integrating sustainability into public safety.
2. Denton, Texas
Clean Energy Model: All residences and businesses powered 100% by renewables
Denton, serving over 64,000 customers, is the only city in Texas where every home and business runs on 100% renewable electricity, achieved through solar and wind power.
The city hit this milestone in 2020 and expects to save over $500 million over 20 years due to lower fuel and operating costs.
Notably, Denton also has the highest wind power per capita of any U.S. city.
3. Salt Lake City, Utah
Economic & Environmental Wins: 100,000 metric tons of CO₂ avoided, $1M saved annually
Salt Lake City’s solar initiatives have significantly reduced pollution from the regional power grid while saving taxpayers an estimated $1 million per year.
The city continues to expand renewable energy use across its municipal infrastructure and acts as a clean energy leader across the state.
4. Nashville, Tennessee
Solar + Geothermal Integration: Scaling solar, adding geothermal for municipal energy
Nashville is accelerating its energy transition with rooftop solar installations on government buildings and participation in the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Green Invest program to build utility-scale solar farms.
In addition to solar, the city is using geothermal technology to heat and cool public buildings more efficiently.
5. Mesquite, Texas
Clean Manufacturing Hub: Home to a 5 GW/year solar module factory
Mesquite has attracted a $250 million Canadian Solar manufacturing facility capable of producing enough solar modules to power 850,000 homes annually.
The project created over 1,500 jobs, positioning Mesquite as a rising leader in America’s clean energy supply chain.
6. Boise, Idaho
Target: 100% clean electricity for all by 2035
Boise has committed to supplying 100% clean electricity to all homes and businesses by 2035.
Currently, the city spends approximately $250 million annually on energy—a cost that could double in the next 20 years. Renewables offer a fiscally responsible solution that aligns with the city’s sustainability and economic development goals.
Conclusion
These six cities—spanning from Texas to Idaho—demonstrate how smart, localized energy strategies can reduce emissions, enhance public infrastructure, improve air quality, and generate economic opportunity. Their diverse approaches, from solar expansion and wind integration to cutting-edge electrification and manufacturing, reveal that there’s no single solution to clean energy—but rather a patchwork of locally-driven actions that together push the nation forward.
Whether it’s through job creation, emissions reductions, or system-wide electrification, these cities prove that clean energy adoption is not possible—it’s practical, profitable, and already underway.
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