US Export Plan - Sector Report- Renewables

Opportunity states

As highlighted throughout this report, the volatile nature of the renewables market in the US at the time of this report, means that many export opportunities are likely to unfold over the long-term. Opportunities in certain states will be driven not only by their net-zero ambitions but also by the sheer scale of their projected demand. States that have maintained their focus on renewables by accelerating state-level clean energy policies, despite the changes at the federal level, are potentially poised to offer the most robust opportunities. Top opportunity states include:

California has the highest number of planned clean energy projects (102) according to the Clean Energy Pipeline database and in 2024 it recorded the highest number of VC energy deals of all states (285). It is among the most progressive in developing floating offshore wind, targeting 25 GW by 2045, and has already committed billions in port infrastructure upgrades. Of all states it has remained the most resilient in the face of federal cuts. For example, in October 2025 California Energy Commission authorised $42.75 million in grants for offshore wind port development, including $20 million for the Port of Long Beach to advance their Pier Wind Project^[42]. Given Californias progress in clean energy and its ambitious net‑zero targets, there is increasing pressure on the energy grid to adapt and meet rising demand. This is driving driven significant investment in grid upgrades, which in turn creates strong opportunities for Scottish companies with expertise in grid modernisation and optimisation. Furthermore, a Scotland-California MoU (Under2 Coalition) is in place which focuses on collaboration and sharing of best practices in offshore wind and decarbonisation to meet ambitious emission reduction targets. This partnership was reinforced in Feb 2026 with the signing of a new UK-California MoU, which sets out shared commitments to addressing climate change, advancing sustainable development, protecting the natural environment and fostering responsible innovation^[43].

Texas is recognised as a major hub of clean energy development, with data from the Clean Energy Pipeline indicating 59 clean energy projects in the pipeline, predominantly focused on CCS and hydrogen production. It boasts extensive natural gas resources and over 1,600 miles of hydrogen pipelines along the Gulf coast^[44]. It also offers an enabling regulatory environment for CCS, through state-level primacy over Class VI wells as of late 2025, enabling the Railroad Commission of Texas to issue CCS permits. Further strengthening export opportunities is the established UK-Texas Statement of Mutual Cooperation focusing on hydrogen, CCUS, trade barriers and professional services. Whilst Texas’s RPS target is not quite as ambitious as the likes of California and New York, it still aims to be 50% renewable by 2030 and has a non-binding target to be 100% carbon-free by 2050. These combined factors make Texas a strategic entry point for companies seeking opportunities in low-carbon energy solutions.

New York is rapidly advancing offshore wind with significant procurement targets and major port and supply-chain investment. It is home to the US’s first commercial-scale offshore wind farm, South Fork Wind. With 12 turbines and a state-of-the-art transmission system it generates enough clean energy to power 70,000 average homes^[45]. Data from the Clean Energy Pipeline show that New York has 36 clean energy projects in the pipeline and while some of these have faced delays due to federal actions, the states commitment remains strong. Under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, New York has set an ambitious target of transitioning to emission-free electricity by 2040. In addition, the state recorded 82 VC deals in 2024, signalling robust investor confidence in clean energy solutions. Complementing these efforts are ambitious energy storage and grid-modernisation programmes, creating significant opportunities for advanced smart grid technologies and engineering expertise.

Nevada stands out as having the second highest number of clean energy projects in operation (21), closely trailing California’s 27. It benefits from natural geological features that result in accessible hydrothermal fields, presenting opportunities for geothermal exportation opportunities, and Nevada and California contribute more than 90% of the US’s current geothermal power generation^[46]. Nevada is also attracting innovative companies advancing next generation geothermal. This includes Fervo (who are headquartered in Texas) who are working with NV Energy and Google to develop 115 MW of geothermal energy in Nevada that will power the tech giants data centres^[47]. A downside of this state is that the strong level of domestic competition might make it challenging for Scottish firms to differentiate themselves and secure a competitive foothold in the market.

Massachusetts is another hub of clean energy activity, recording 96 VC energy deals in 2024 and there are 23 clean energy projects in the pipeline (according to the Clean Energy Pipeline database). There is strong state commitment to net-zero goals, with a commitment of being net-zero by 2050. It is considered one of the leading states in offshore wind, with notable large scale projects including Vineyard Wind 1 (part operational) and SouthCoast Wind (in construction). While both these projects have faced recent uncertainty due to federal actions, the state remains committed and developers are taking legal action to overthrow stop-work orders.

Other notable opportunity states:

Louisiana benefits from deepwater ports, an extensive pipeline network and an experienced workforce. It has the 6^th highest number of clean energy projects in the pipeline, according to the Clean Energy Pipeline. Just over half of these are CCS related projects, reflecting its strategic location near major energy corridors and favourable local geology. In Dec 2023 it received state-level primacy over Class VI wells further supporting CCS development but has recently had to pause any new Class VI application submissions while they work through a backlog of well applications^[48]. Louisiana is also emerging as a major hub for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production, with multi-billion dollar projects focused on converting forestry waste and agricultural residues into low-carbon jet fuel^[49].

While Louisiana lacks a statewide mandatory Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) or Clean Energy Standard (CES), it instead fosters clean-energy initiatives through local permitting, municipal action and economic incentives.

Ohio is another state with significant activity in hydrogen. Despite the uncertainty surrounding ARCH2 hydrogen hub, Ohio has been able to press on with projects, largely due to continued private investment, fuel cell manufacturing capabilities and diverse hydrogen proposed projects^[50]. It is also undertaking substantial gird modernisation efforts driven by rising energy demands and aging infrastructure, thus creating opportunities for Scottish companies with expertise in these areas.

Illinois has huge ambition to progress in decarbonising and has one of the most ambitious state-level climate strategies, committing to 100% clean energy by 2050. Recent progress came in 2025, when the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA, taking effect in June 2026) was passed, which strengthens earlier policies by supporting large-scale energy storage, expanding clean energy programmes and addressing grid reliability^[51]. Illinois also stands out as being one of the most active CCUS regions the US, centred on the geology of the Illinois basin which, despite some recent regulatory challenges^[52], remains an important CCUS hub with major ongoing projects, presenting opportunities for Scottish companies with expertise in CCUS.