The Renewable Energy Capital of the Nation? A Greater Houston Partnership Report
Long known as America’s Energy Capital, Houston has stepped boldly into a new chapter as the nation’s renewable energy capital, thanks in part to the leadership of the Greater Houston Partnership (GHP).
GHP’s recently released “Economy at a Glance” report underscores how quickly Houston’s clean energy economy is growing:
Renewable energy represented roughly one in 12 new jobs in 2024, adding nearly 4,000 workers across the region.
Solar power drove much of this growth, with the solar workforce expanding by 45.4% year-over-year.
With more than 8,000 workers, Houston now leads all U.S. metros in wind power employment. As the report notes:
“Metro Houston’s wind sector is so significant that it leads the nation by employee headcount. No other metro has as many people working in wind power generation, and only one other, Chicago, even comes close.”
Through its Houston Energy Transition Initiative (HETI), GHP is uniting business, academic, and civic leaders to accelerate clean energy innovation across wind, solar, hydrogen, carbon capture, and large-scale energy storage. With world-class infrastructure, a skilled workforce, central geography, and access to capital, Houston is uniquely positioned to drive the energy transition forward.
HETI’s work is advancing Houston’s clean energy leadership through five strategic focus areas:
Member & Stakeholder Engagement: Convening business, civic, and economic development leaders to meet rising energy demand while reducing emissions.
Carbon Management: Leveraging Houston’s industrial base and port infrastructure to lead in carbon capture, hydrogen, and other low-carbon technologies that attract investment and create new jobs.
Power Management: Strengthening grid reliability and expanding clean energy generation and storage to keep Houston competitive for business growth and energy innovation.
Technology & Commercialization: Accelerating the scaling of new clean technologies by connecting innovators, investors, and industry leaders.
Talent & Workforce: Partnering with employers and educators to build the skilled workforce needed for Houston’s evolving energy economy.
That leadership is producing results: Houston companies are delivering multi-gigawatt battery storage projects, expanding clean power generation, and investing billions in energy innovation. In 2022 alone, the region attracted $1.25 billion in cleantech investment, ranking among the nation’s top metros. From 2023 to 2024, renewable energy employment grew by more than 20%, with clean energy jobs making up nearly 12% of Houston’s broader energy sector.
For GHP, this energy transition is not just about sustainability—it's a growth strategy for Houston’s future. By supporting new ventures, retooling legacy expertise, and advocating for smart policy, GHP is helping ensure that Houston will remain the world’s energy leader for generations to come.