New Report Finds Clean Energy Industry Delivers $6.3 Billion Annual Economic Impact on Colorado, Driven by Growth on the Eastern Plains
Colorado Springs | September 2026
COSSA recently commissioned a study to assess the current and future economic impact of the renewable energy sector on Colorado’s Eastern Plains and found that solar, wind, and battery storage are making important contributions to jobs and the economy.
COLORADO SPRINGS — The Colorado Solar and Storage Association (COSSA) today released the Colorado Eastern Plains Economic Impact Analysis, a new report finding that the clean energy industry generates a current annual economic impact of $6.3 billion on the State of Colorado, with growth on the Eastern Plains as a primary driver. Local business and elected leaders joined COSSA to unveil the findings at a press conference held in Colorado Springs.
The report, prepared by Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. (EPS), examines employment, wages, population, and renewable energy facility trends across the Eastern Plains' 21 counties from 2010 through 2024, and forecasts growth through 2035. It finds that the region's clean energy sector, along with its broader economy, has expanded significantly over the past decade and is positioned for continued growth.
"This report confirms what we've long known: clean energy is a major economic driver for Colorado, and particularly for rural Colorado,” said KC Becker, CEO of COSSA. “The Eastern Plains have become a model for how solar and wind development can create lasting jobs and revenue for communities that need them most, and COSSA is proud to help tell that story."
"My community is looking for reliable, affordable energy. But we are also looking for good-paying jobs and a thriving economy. This report shows that renewable energy delivers that,” added Rep. Amy Paschal (D), Colorado Springs. “We get the fuel for free when we use sun and wind, and my constituents appreciate that. I'm excited to support responsible, reasonable efforts to bring more energy to our state and our region."
“We've seen this growth firsthand in Lincoln County. Clean energy jobs here went from almost nothing in 2010 to dozens of good-paying positions today, and that kind of growth matters in a county our size,” said Troy McCue, Executive Director of the Lincoln County Economic Development. “This industry is helping us diversify our local economy in a way that benefits everyone, not just the energy sector."
"This report confirms what we've long known: clean energy is a major economic driver for Colorado, and particularly for rural Colorado,” said KC Becker, CEO of COSSA. “The Eastern Plains have become a model for how solar and wind development can create lasting jobs and revenue for communities that need them most, and COSSA is proud to help tell that story."
Key Findings
Clean energy delivers major economic impact. Based on 7,836 current clean energy employees, the industry has a total annual economic impact of $6.3 billion on Colorado, including $3.5 billion in direct impact, $1.6 billion in indirect impact, and $1.2 billion in induced impact.
Growth expected to continue. The clean energy industry is forecast to add 3,594 jobs statewide over the next ten years, with 961 of those jobs (26.7 percent) located in the Eastern Plains. That growth is projected to generate an additional $1.7 billion in economic impact on the state, including $950.3 million in direct impact, $477.7 million in indirect impact, and $240.2 million in induced impact.
Clean energy jobs and renewable capacity are expanding rapidly. Clean energy employment in the Eastern Plains grew from 4,316 employees in 2010 to 6,715 in 2024, an average gain of 171 jobs per year. The region is now home to 74 renewable energy facilities — 89.5 percent of Colorado's total renewable energy capacity — and has added 6,367 megawatts of renewable capacity since 2010, more than thirteen times the 475 megawatts added by non-renewable facilities over the same period. Renewable energy now accounts for 52.8 percent of all energy capacity in the Eastern Plains, up from just 13.0 percent in 2010.
Emerging clean energy hubs. Several smaller, rural counties — including Elbert, Logan, Prowers, Lincoln, and Otero — have seen clean energy employment take root since 2010, and eight Eastern Plains counties now have a higher concentration of clean energy jobs than the state average. Weld County is forecast to add the most new clean energy jobs over the next decade, accounting for nearly half of all projected regional growth.
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About COSSA: COSSA is the leading voice for solar and energy storage in Colorado. As a member-driven nonprofit with over 230 business members, COSSA represents a diverse coalition of companies across the clean energy supply chain, from manufacturers and developers to installers, engineers, and advocates. Our mission is to expand solar and storage markets, drive smart energy policy, and generate jobs and prosperity for all Coloradans. Through policy advocacy, regulatory engagement, market development, and member education, COSSA ensures the industry has a seat at the table and a strong future in the state.
About the Report: The Colorado Eastern Plains Economic Impact Analysis was prepared by Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. (EPS) and was commissioned to evaluate the current and forecasted economic impact of the renewable energy sector across the 21 counties of Colorado's Eastern Plains.
