Turning Clean Energy Investment into Economic Growth in North Carolina

Helping decision-makers understand the real-world impact of clean energy

As North Carolina continues its transition toward a more diversified energy portfolio, leaders across government, utilities, and industry need clear, credible evidence to guide decisions. RTI International partnered with the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA) to deliver a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of how clean energy development affects the state’s economy, investments, and communities.

North Carolina clean energy economic analysis

RTI conducted a retrospective analysis of clean energy development in North Carolina from 2007 through 2024, evaluating the combined impacts of renewable energy and energy efficiency investments. Using established economic modeling approaches, the team assessed how policy, private-sector investment, and market forces interact to shape outcomes for businesses, consumers, and local governments. 

How North Carolina clean energy supports economic growth

The analysis shows that clean energy development has generated substantial economic activity across the state. From 2007 to 2024, these investments drove an estimated $57.8 billion in total economic impact, supported more than 256,000 cumulative job years, and generated $1.3 billion in state and local tax revenue.  

Direct investment in clean energy projects reached $31.5 billion, with annual investment growing significantly over time—from $25.7 million in 2007 to $748.5 million in 2024. Wake, Nash, Bladen, Northampton, Cumberland, Currituck, and Mecklenburg Counties experienced the greatest amount of investment, with more than $700 million each. Duplin, Edgecombe, and Robeson Counties each experienced between $600 million and $700 million in investment.

Importantly, the benefits extend across communities, including in rural and economically distressed counties where clean energy projects have brought sustained investment and economic opportunity.  

Informing policy and investment decisions 

The findings provide decision-makers with a trusted foundation to evaluate energy policies, assess return on investment, and balance economic, energy, and community priorities. By quantifying both the scale and distribution of impacts, RTI’s work helps stakeholders move beyond assumptions to evidence-based planning. 

Supporting the transition to a resilient energy future 

RTI’s work with NCSEA illustrates the organization’s ability to integrate economic analysis, energy systems expertise, and policy insight to address complex challenges. By translating data into actionable insights, RTI enables clients to move toward informed, defensible decisions that support economic growth, energy resilience, and long-term sustainability.