Looking Ahead to 2025
Author: João Salvação Barreto, CEO, EDPR NA Distributed Generation (EDPR NA DG)
2024 was a dynamic period of rapid transformation in the energy sector and in distributed generation, highlighted by significant achievements at EDPR NA DG. As we look forward to 2025, I am filled with optimism for the future and what this new year will bring.
In 2024, we maintained our growth trajectory, delivering new megawatts (MW) by partnering with key commercial and industrial (C&I) customers and advancing our community solar portfolio by expanding our presence in the NY VDER program, as well as entering new markets including Maine. This has now allowed EDPR NA DG to reach an operating capacity of more than 280MWac of solar and storage assets across more than 500 active sites spanning 25 states, positioning us as one of the leaders in distributed generation in the US.
We have also continued to reinforce our capabilities and optimize our organization with the objective of accelerating the robust growth we are experiencing in the market, with a clear focus on efficient and streamlined delivery. I strongly believe we have a best-in-class team in the sector and are fully equipped to deliver for our customers, as well as to take on new opportunities in 2025 and beyond, leveraging EDP’s relationships and unique position in the global renewable energy industry.
Making an impact in this new energy era through greater buildout of distributed generation
Looking ahead to 2025, I am thrilled about the construction and start of commercial operations for projects we announced and have been working on throughout 2024. These projects encompass onsite systems with C&I customers, as well as new community solar and remote net metering buildout in selected markets where we are already present, such as New York and Maine, as well as marking our entry into Illinois.
We are also eager to continue advancing our extensive development pipeline, which will support EDPR NA DG’s sustained growth trajectory. This includes the ground-breaking partnership with Google, as we continue to showcase our innovative spirit and dedication to sustainable energy solutions, targeting high-demand regions of the US in a context of rapid load growth.
The message is clear: distributed generation is needed to ensure a more resilient and reliable grid by providing access to clean energy closer to where the load is located. We see distributed solar and energy storage playing a major role in onsite applications, directly powering growing needs from major warehouses, data centers, industrial facilities, and distribution hubs, as well as making it possible for local businesses and communities to garner access to clean and affordable energy for the first time. It’s this booming energy demand from C&I customers, local governments, and local communities that will continue to drive the momentum behind greater development of DG.
It’s all about partnerships
In this industry, relationships are what enable DG projects to succeed. From valued EPCs and local developers, to land and commercial real estate owners, as well as local communities in the 25 states that we operate in, to valued partners that assist us in offtake relationships with local businesses, residential households, and organizations, it takes all of us working together to deliver value-creating solutions that ensure the success of DG in the US.
Most importantly, this includes our more than 100 C&I customers, who, through their commitment to reducing carbon emissions and contributing to the greater energy transition by investing in renewables, continue to support the accelerated deployment of DG. Furthermore, the trust placed by or over 6,500 community solar subscribers continue to help spur the demand for EDPR NA DG’s community solar projects, resulting in homegrown solar produced in the communities where subscribers reside.
Big tech customers deploying data centers and AI technologies continue to partner with us on industry innovation and the deployment of distributed-scale solar and storage projects will be key to meeting their ever-growing power demand. This “positive load growth” can not only further bolster distributed energy technologies but also bring a wealth of investment and benefits to communities hosting our customers’ tech facilities.
Our vision is to build on our successful partnerships with communities across the U.S., championing a clean energy transition that supports small businesses, strengthens local economies, and protects our environment. A win for clean energy is only a real win if it benefits the local communities where our projects are located.
Industry engagement
We’re looking forward to broadening our relationship in 2025 and have an exciting year of events lined up, including participation from a variety of EDPR NA DG team members at Infocast, Smart Energy Decisions, BizNow, RE+, ACP, ACORE, CEBA, CCSA, NPM, and other regional events. These events are invaluable opportunities for us to connect, share insights, exchange business opportunities, and drive forward our clean energy mission.
I encourage you to reach out and connect with us if you will be at any of the events we’ll be at in 2025. In addition, you can stay informed on our team’s market and industry presence by joining our mailing list, which provides a wide array of opportunities for us to work together.
Last, but not least
Finally, I want to acknowledge my incredible team. As we move into 2025, I am confident that we have the right people to tackle market challenges and opportunities ahead of us. We are determined to continue delivering our best, driving a more sustainable energy future, and advancing distributed generation solutions.
Let’s work together to make this a successful and impactful 2025!