Want some insights into the challenges in reaching Gov. Gina M. Raimondo’s goal to make Rhode Island the first state in the country powered 100% by renewable energy by the end of this decade? Look at the rapid development of the state’s commercial solar industry.
In 2013 it was virtually nonexistent. It’s grown to more than 40 projects producing 7,970 megawatt hours of renewable energy monthly. But as this week’s cover story shows, that growth has come at a cost and has some communities putting up stop signs.
Environmental groups and local officials who actively support increased use of renewable energy in the Ocean State are among the most vocal critics, citing concern over lost forestland and green spaces.
Cranston was among the most active communities on solar development, approving five major projects since 2015. But the city has essentially halted new commercial projects due to growing opposition.
“I thought we were doing something [to combat climate change] and now we’re not,” lamented Cranston City Planner Jason Pezzullo.
The state is trying to help by offering grants for such projects on brownfields and, on a smaller scale, carports.
But more-restrictive local regulations on the siting of larger projects won’t help the state reach Gov. Raimondo’s goal. And that’s OK.
Siting of such projects is a local decision for a reason – those communities must live with the consequences. If the market continues to support commercial solar projects, developers will find ways to work with local zoning to build them.
