North Carolina’s clean energy boom: a blueprint for economic growth and American energy independence

North Carolina is at the forefront of the clean energy economy, emerging as a national leader in research, innovation and technology. Lawmakers’ bipartisan efforts to advance clean energy are a direct investment in the middle class, revitalizing communities statewide.

North Carolina’s strategic clean energy investments are not just strengthening the state’s economy; they are reshaping global supply chains and strengthening the nation’s position on the world stage. By reducing reliance on foreign energy and bringing manufacturing back to American soil, these investments are stimulating innovation, creating high-paying jobs and advancing the nation’s energy independence — all of which are key to long-term growth and competitiveness in the global market.

North Carolina’s south-central region is the epitome of this, with major investments from Sunlight Batteries and Toyota transforming the historically rural and low-income communities.

With a business-friendly environment that encourages private sector innovation, North Carolina can now be a prime destination for both international and domestic investment, ensuring that the benefits of the clean energy economy are widespread.

Our congressional district exemplifies how clean energy projects are no longer confined to urban tech hubs as they are revitalizing communities across the state. More than 62% of new clean energy jobs, 70% of new clean energy investments and nearly half of all projects in North Carolina are located in low-income communities. These investments are fostering job creation, strengthening supply chains and promoting long-term economic stability.

Toyota’s first North American battery plant (TBMNC) is taking shape in Liberty, marking a $13.9 billion investment in advanced manufacturing. TBMNC is projected to bring over 5,000 high-quality jobs to Randolph County, with salaries averaging $62,000 — more than 60% higher than the county’s current average wage. This is a major win for the American industry, strengthening domestic production and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains.

In Alamance County, Sunlight Batteries USA — a tech company specializing in energy storage systems — seeks to transform Mebane with its $40 million investment in a lithium-ion production facility. Projected to create more than 200 jobs and contribute approximately $390 million to the state economy, the company reflects North Carolina’s broader commitment to American energy dominance and statewide economic prosperity.

Nevertheless, the clean energy transition comes with its own set of challenges. Wolfspeed, a silicon carbide chip manufacturing company, plans to invest $5 billion in Chatham County, which is projected to create 1,800 well-paying jobs and transform a county that is 84% rural.

However, following the company’s massive stock drop, leadership changes and uncertainty surrounding federal incentives like the CHIPS Act, the future of Wolfspeed remains uncertain. Such setbacks underscore the importance of bipartisan efforts to provide long-term policy stability and ensure North Carolina remains a leader in clean energy manufacturing.

While market challenges have slowed some projects, several other new clean energy projects are on the horizon in the district, putting the state in a great position to remain a technology and energy epicenter. Most recently, Gov. Josh Stein announced Pennsylvania Transformer Technology, LLC’s (PTT) plan to expand its transformer manufacturing capacity in Hoke County. A leading domestic manufacturer of power and distribution transformers for innovative energy markets, PTT will advance clean American energy and economic growth.

Sadly, the pursuit of a cleaner, healthier future has long been hindered by its politicization, yet North Carolinians know economic growth and environmental progress can go hand in hand. The state’s investments in clean energy have yielded tangible benefits, from spurring innovation to new infrastructure to record-breaking job creation, proving we do not need to sacrifice the economy in the name of the environment.

Public opinion reflects this reality, with polling data from Clear Path Action finding that 62% of Republicans believe it is important that their congressional representative support clean energy policies. This widespread support aligns with North Carolina’s pro-growth, pro-business approach to energy, which prioritizes market-driven solutions and strategic investments that attract private-sector innovation. By leveraging tax incentives and fostering a competitive business climate, the state has positioned itself as a leader in the energy markets of the future. Ultimately proving that conservative principles and environmental progress can go hand in hand to bolster American energy independence.

As a North Carolinian in the 9th district, I have witnessed firsthand how clean energy investments have transformed our state. The future is bright. With artificial intelligence expanding at an unprecedented pace alongside President Donald Trump’s new $500 billion vision for advancing infrastructure, North Carolina has both the resources and the opportunity to be at the forefront of groundbreaking technologies.

By embracing innovation and fostering an environment where economic growth and environmental stewardship move in unison, the state can continue to lead the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future.

Kira Walsh is a volunteer with the American Conservation Coalition, based in Pittsboro.