Over 80 Clean Energy Manufacturing Facilities Unveiled Since Biden’s Inauguration

**Clean Energy Investments Increase in Kentucky with the Help of U.S. Climate Law**

On a sunny day in July, three men installed solar panels on a house near the Kentucky River. Despite the state’s history of promoting coal, clean energy is gaining traction thanks to the U.S. climate law enacted a year ago. With a 30% tax credit provided by the law, families like Heather Baggett’s in Frankfort are finding it financially beneficial to switch to clean energy.

**The Inflation Reduction Act Drives Investment in Clean Energy Manufacturing**

After experiencing record-breaking heat in June and July, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) celebrates its one-year anniversary as America’s response to climate change. The law has led to a surge in investment in battery and electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing across the country. According to the American Clean Power Association, nearly 80 major clean energy manufacturing facilities have been announced since the law’s passage, amounting to an investment equal to that of the previous seven years combined.

**Revitalizing American Manufacturing with the IRA**

The IRA represents a significant step towards addressing climate change by reducing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. It aims to stimulate the development of clean energy infrastructure and domestic supply chains in order to compete with countries like China. By making clean transportation a priority, the law has driven demand for electric vehicle charging stations and battery storage. Siemens, a global tech company, has invested heavily in battery projects, while the largest solar panel manufacturer in the U.S., First Solar, has experienced a surge in sales since the law’s enactment.

**Expanding the Scope of Clean Energy Technologies**

In addition to supporting well-established clean energy sources like solar and wind, the IRA offers incentives for emerging technologies. For example, EH2, a company specializing in low-cost electrolyzers for hydrogen production, has seen accelerated growth due to the law. With the IRA, hydrogen as a clean energy source has great potential to compete with Europe and accelerate the transition to clean energy in the U.S.

**Anticipating Future Investments in Clean Energy Manufacturing**

Experts believe that the current wave of investment in wind and solar manufacturing is just the beginning. Increased investment in these industries is expected to occur between 2026 and 2028, resulting in a significant expansion of the clean energy sector. Other countries, including Canada and European nations, have implemented their own measures to attract clean energy manufacturing, further driving competition and innovation in the industry.

**The Fiscal Impact and Environmental Benefits of the IRA**

Originally projected to cost $270 billion over ten years, the tax credits provided by the IRA may be utilized more aggressively by businesses, potentially resulting in a significantly higher cost for the federal government. Nevertheless, the law is expected to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by up to 41% by 2030, according to Princeton researchers. Although more action is needed to meet U.S. climate goals, this represents a significant improvement.

**Challenges and Opposition to Clean Energy Transition**

Despite the progress made through the IRA, challenges remain. The ability of the U.S. electric grid to accommodate new wind and solar farms and support increased demand for things like mass vehicle charging is critical for achieving greenhouse gas reduction targets. Opposition to the law also exists, with some Republicans proposing repealing major elements of it. However, many homeowners, like Nicholas Hartnett in Kentucky, are embracing clean energy once they realize the financial benefits it offers, combining the environmental advantages with the opportunity to save on their own taxes.

In conclusion, the IRA has been instrumental in driving investment in clean energy manufacturing and spurring the transition to renewable energy sources. As the U.S. continues to prioritize reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change, the law has positioned the country as a global leader in clean energy innovation and production.