Wyoming hesitates to embrace solar energy despite its potential

Wyoming has the ideal conditions for solar energy, yet its development lags behind due to political and economic ties to fossil fuels.

Jake Bolster reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

• Wyoming receives ample sunlight, but only two utility-scale solar farms currently operate in the state.
• The state's economy and policies are heavily influenced by the coal industry, creating barriers to solar energy adoption.
• Four large solar projects are in development, potentially increasing the state’s solar capacity significantly.

Key quote:

“There is economic development happening at a really large scale in surrounding states that is much reduced here.”

— Scott Kane, solar company co-founder

Why this matters:

Expanding solar energy in Wyoming could diversify its economy, reduce dependency on coal and bring significant environmental and financial benefits to the state.

Related EHN coverage:

• Solar power on the rise at US schools
• Coal to solar switch could save 52,000 US lives per year.
• Global electricity access grows—but we're not on track for 2030 sustainable energy goals