WSU Energy ProgramOur WorkRenewable Energy

Renewable Energy

In Washington, expanding renewable energy resources (including wind energy, solar energy, and anaerobic digesters) helps diversify and strengthen the regional power grid. Renewable energy can also help maintain grid stability in a time of surging demand, while protecting ratepayers from volatile energy costs. In Washington, renewable energy is also an essential component in meeting the state’s legal mandate of a 100% carbon-free power grid by 2045. 

The WSU Energy Program supports the development of new energy resources through a variety of efforts. We manage programs, support research, and provide technical assistance to help homeowners, businesses, and governments expand access to renewable energy across the state.  

Our Renewable Energy Work

Community Solar Expansion Program

This program promotes access to the benefits of renewable energy for low-income communities across Washington. By supporting community solar and energy storage projects, our team helps reduce state emissions while creating long-term energy resilience and value for low-income communities.

Dairy Digester Technical Assistance Group

Our team provides technical assistance to awardees of the Washington State Department of Commerce Dairy Digester Grant Program, dairies, digester developers, owners and operators, and state, local and tribal policymakers.  

Least-Conflict Solar Siting on the Columbia Plateau

This project culminated in a report detailing how utility-scale solar be developed in the region while also ensuring that important habitat, productive farmlands and ranchlands, and tribal rights and cultural resources are protected. 

Utility Net Metering

This program tracks the progress of Washington electric utilities towards meeting state-mandated net metering capacity limits. Once a utility hits its target, we monitor and publish whether they choose to transition to alternative billing rates for solar customers.