A new study suggests that the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy in America, including in Ohio, is being driven by federal energy subsidies.
The report, released by the Energy Alliance, shows that the subsidies for wind and solar generation far surpass subsidies for traditional sources like coal, natural gas, and nuclear generation.
According to the report, “Renewables received $74 billion from the U.S. government in 2010–19. They are expected to increase to $244 billion from 2020 to 2029.” This is in contrast to the $22 billion fossil fuels will receive this decade, and the $19 billion that will go to nuclear.
The report concludes that the “subsidies are the only reason that wind and solar generation exist on the U.S. grid at commercial scale.”
In an interview with the Ohio Energy Reporter, the study’s author, Bill Peacock, said that the subsidies are also driving the transition to renewables in Ohio.
“Over the last five years, renewable generation in Ohio has grown rapidly, led by an increase in solar by almost 800%,” said Peacock. “Federal renewable subsidies totaling about $615 million during that period are largely responsible for the growth.”
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, Ohio ranks 15th in installed solar capacity, up from 32nd in 2022.
The recent buildup of solar across the state has led to numerous political and regulatory conflicts. Many individuals have formed groups in opposition to proposed solar facilities.
Tina Glass, organizer of Solar Free Stark, is one of those.
“I have approximately 80 acres of wetlands. This will also be in the middle of the Solar project,” Glass said. “I have concerns that the wildlife is going to be severely affected by the panels and fencing that will almost surround it. There are concerns with the tiling that will be broke and with the water that will be distributed differently.”
The Ohio Power Siting Board has held numerous hearings throughout the state to gather public opinion and evidence relating to the environmental and economic effects of the solar farms.
A resolution filed with the OPSB by the Board of Stark County Commissioners expressed local opposition to the proposed Stark Solar facility.
“The construction and operation of the Facility would be incompatible with the general health, safety, and welfare of the residents of Stark County, and therefore would not serve the public interest, convenience, and necessity of the residents of the County or the State of Ohio,” according to the resolution.