Sweetwater, Texas, once primarily known for its rattlesnake roundups and oil fields, has transformed into a symbol of America’s wind energy revolution. By 2024, Nolan County, where Sweetwater is located, was home to over 1,400 wind turbines that generate more than 3,600 megawatts of power.
This renewable energy output is enough to power more than a million homes. The wind energy boom has had a significant positive impact on the local economy, with ranchers leasing land for turbines and earning steady incomes. This has helped sustain family farms during difficult economic times.
Additionally, hundreds of new jobs have been created, from technicians to logistics drivers, and new infrastructure, such as schools, has been developed to accommodate the influx of workers and their families. The town’s annual wind energy festival attracts visitors from across the country, highlighting Sweetwater’s successful blend of tradition and innovation.
Georgetown, Texas: A Pioneer in 100% Renewable Energy
Georgetown, a small city just north of Austin, shocked the country when it became one of the first cities in the United States to switch its municipal power supply to 100% renewable energy in 2017. By securing long-term contracts with wind and solar farms, Georgetown locked in stable electricity prices, shielding residents from the unpredictable volatility of natural gas markets.
By 2024, the city reported that its energy rates remained among the most stable in Texas. Georgetown’s decision to go green has had multiple benefits, from attracting new businesses to creating jobs in solar manufacturing and technology startups.
Local leaders take pride in their city’s green energy status, with many banners around town celebrating Georgetown’s “Clean Energy Capital” status. The switch to renewable energy has not only made the air cleaner but also boosted the local economy, making the city more vibrant and appealing.
Buffalo, New York: Revitalizing the Rust Belt with Hydropower and Solar
Buffalo, New York, a city with a storied industrial past, is reviving its economy through renewable energy. Once powered by Niagara Falls’ hydropower, Buffalo is now leveraging hydropower and solar energy to attract new tech companies and manufacturers. In 2024, Tesla’s Gigafactory 2, which manufactures solar roof tiles, employed over 1,500 workers.
Smaller startups in Buffalo are also making breakthroughs in energy storage and recycling. These renewable energy initiatives have helped reduce the city’s unemployment by 2% since 2022. Buffalo’s public schools now run on 100% renewable electricity, and local universities are working with energy firms to train future green engineers.
The city’s waterfront, once filled with abandoned factories, has been transformed into a hub for solar-powered public spaces and green tech incubators.
Greensburg, Kansas: A Model of Sustainability After Disaster
In 2007, Greensburg, Kansas, was devastated by a tornado. Rather than rebuilding as it was, the community made the bold decision to rebuild as one of the greenest towns in America. By 2024, Greensburg’s energy needs are almost entirely met by wind power, with turbines surrounding the town generating more than enough electricity for its 800 residents and neighboring towns.
The town’s energy-efficient LEED-certified buildings, including the local school and hospital, have drawn architects and environmentalists from across the world. Greensburg’s commitment to sustainability has not only saved money but brought the community closer together. Its story of transformation has been showcased in documentaries and is now used as a case study for resilience and sustainability.
Las Animas County, Colorado: Solar Farms Revive Rural Communities
Once dependent on coal mining, Las Animas County in Colorado is now thriving thanks to solar energy. In 2023, the 300-megawatt Spanish Peaks Solar Project began operation, creating over 500 construction jobs and powering nearly 100,000 homes annually.
The revenue generated from solar projects has significantly boosted the county’s budget, allowing for improvements to roads, schools, and health clinics. Farmers in the area are leasing land for solar panels, which helps them diversify their income while protecting against drought-related losses.
The influx of workers has revived local businesses, and the community solar program enables residents to buy into clean energy. Las Animas County is now positioning itself as a destination for outdoor recreation and renewable energy innovation.
Pueblo, Colorado: Steel City Reinvented Through Solar and Wind
Pueblo, Colorado, historically known as “Steel City,” is now a leader in renewable energy manufacturing. The EVRAZ steel mill, located in Pueblo, transitioned to running almost entirely on solar and wind power by 2024, thanks to the 300-megawatt Bighorn Solar project.
The mill now has the lowest carbon emissions of any rail producer in North America, securing more than 1,000 high-paying jobs. Pueblo’s city government has set an ambitious goal to run entirely on renewable energy by 2035, with solar installations already on schools, libraries, and water treatment facilities.
As new businesses open downtown and the air quality improves, Pueblo’s transformation serves as a national example of how heavy industry and green energy can coexist.
Lancaster, California: A Solar Powerhouse in the Mojave Desert
Lancaster, located in California’s Mojave Desert, has become a leader in solar energy. Since 2019, all new homes in the city are required to include solar panels. By 2024, over 90% of Lancaster’s municipal energy is sourced from renewables.
The city’s mayor has attracted solar manufacturers and green tech companies, creating high-tech jobs and clean energy innovation. Lancaster’s schools are powered by solar, which has saved millions in energy costs, allowing for reinvestment in education.
The city also offers incentives for electric vehicles and battery storage, with over 15% of new car sales now electric. This clean energy initiative has brought in new businesses, revitalized the economy, and positioned Lancaster as a hub for urban sustainability.
Rock Port, Missouri: The First U.S. Town Powered by Wind
In 2008, Rock Port, Missouri, became the first U.S. community to generate 100% of its electricity from wind. By 2024, the town’s four wind turbines continue to supply more power than Rock Port needs, with the excess energy sold back to the grid.
The revenue generated has helped fund local school upgrades and emergency services while keeping utility rates low. The town’s clean energy achievements have made it a source of pride, attracting visitors and students interested in renewable energy.
Farmers in the area also benefit from lease payments for the turbines, supplementing their income. Unlike many rural towns facing population decline, Rock Port has seen an increase in new families drawn by its green energy reputation.
Burlington, Vermont: Going Beyond 100% Renewable
Burlington, Vermont, became the first city in the U.S. to achieve 100% renewable electricity in 2014. By 2024, the city had taken it a step further, sourcing more than half of its power from local hydroelectric, biomass, and wind sources.
The city’s commitment to renewable energy has kept electricity rates below the national average, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 75% in the past decade. Burlington’s focus on sustainability has attracted eco-tourists, green businesses, and college students, boosting the local economy.
The city now features electric buses, solar-powered charging stations, and community gardens irrigated with rainwater. Burlington is also working on plans to decarbonize heating and transportation, positioning itself as a model for sustainable living beyond electricity.
Kalundborg, Denmark: A European Green Hub
Kalundborg, Denmark, is a global leader in industrial symbiosis and green energy. By 2025, the city’s energy hub combines wind, solar, and biomass energy with waste heat from local factories, supplying nearly 100% of its electricity from renewable sources. Companies in Kalundborg share resources, which reduces costs and emissions.
The collaborations have also created over 1,000 new jobs and attracted millions of dollars in green investment. The city’s schools and research centers are partnering with industries to train the next generation of clean tech workers. Kalundborg’s success has made it a model for sustainable urban development and has significantly improved the city’s air and water quality.