Washington state has established some of the most ambitious pollution reduction goals in the country – cutting greenhouse gas emissions 45% below 1990 levels by 2030 and limiting methane gas power to no more than 20% per utility – while electricity demand is projected to grow 77% by 2045. Yet Washington is 50th in the country in renewable growth (-3%), falling behind climate-ambitious states, like Colorado, and those that are not, like Texas.
To understand what’s at risk with Washington’s business-as-usual renewable development trends, Clean & Prosperous and Greenline Insights conducted the Build SHIIT study, evaluating more than 250 clean energy projects in Washington’s pipeline that could generate billions of dollars in economic activity and hundreds of thousands of jobs over the next decade – benefits that remain trapped under current permitting, siting, and interconnection delays.
Explore the Build SHIIT Map
The Build SHIIT map displays all 258 clean energy and industrial modernization projects identified in the Build SHIIT study and provides a regional view of energy capacity, economic activity, and job growth potential across Washington. Users can explore where an estimated potential 24 GW of new electricity generation and 13 GW of storage are located in the state’s clean energy pipeline.
Washington’s Clean Energy Pipeline
What’s in the Pipeline
The Build SHIIT study evaluated more than 250 individual clean energy and industrial projects currently in Washington’s pipeline. They are representative of a large set of investments ready to advance if development pathways become more efficient and predictable. These projects span renewable power, grid-scale storage, manufacturing facilities, and industrial modernization opportunities.
Economic Impact
Washington’s clean energy buildout could drive significant economic growth across the state, with this sector alone generating the equivalent of two full years of statewide economic growth. If we don’t build now, over the next ten years, we risk:
- $149 billion in new statewide economic output
- $95 billion increase in Washington’s GDP
- $20.4 billion in total tax revenue
Job Creation & Workforce Impact
Washington’s project pipeline could catalyze major job growth, led by construction and new employment supported by increased household spending power in local communities.
- 580,000+ jobs created (job years)
- $60+ billion in labor income earned by Washington households
- 318,963 construction jobs tied to new energy and industrial buildout
- 151,600 induced jobs driven by increased spending on local services like food, healthcare, and retail.
Full Results
Explore the full report to dive deeper into the broader Build SHIIT analysis, including technology-specific results, regional impacts, and more granular economic outcomes:
Join the Coalition
We’re building together a Build SHIIT coalition to help advance clean energy projects across Washington state. Interested in joining the coalition or have a decarbonization project you want to feature? Reach out to us below.
