Domestic manufacturing is the key to American energy leadership

OPINION:

The U.S. is in the middle of a clean energy boom. Last year, nearly 80% of new energy capacity came from wind, solar, or batteries, and the benefits are many: good-paying jobs, affordable electricity, clean air and water, and reduced reliance on foreign governments, to name a few. To realize the full potential of this energy transition, we must look increasingly to leverage American manufacturing strength.

That’s why Nextracker, a domestic provider of solar trackers - the technology that rotates panels to follow the sun thereby increasing production from solar power plants - and Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE), a high-growth renewable energy company with an extensive portfolio of U.S. wind, solar, and energy storage facilities, have forged an agreement to source critical components for energy projects from responsible manufacturers and suppliers. Manufacturers like Nextracker and LRE’s domestic solar panel partners allow LRE to drive its strategy of building long-term reliability and resiliency by sourcing from American factories. Domestic manufacturing supports a well-paid workforce, fosters innovation, and drives economic growth; it’s simply good for business.

The cost of an unreliable supply chain is significant. Products shipped long distances can lead to increased costs and schedule delays. Nextracker has opened over a dozen new manufacturing lines all over the U.S. from Pittsburgh to Las Vegas since the start of 2022; reducing shipping distances and supply uncertainties, while increasing demand for domestic steel. It’s also why LRE continues to grow and strengthen its relationships with suppliers like Nextracker who share its commitment to responsible supply chain and employee practices.

America’s renewable energy projects also bolster grid resilience, reducing the risk of power outages and ensuring that the lights stay on when needed most.

Our companies are creating new economic opportunities and jobs in both rural communities and metropolitan hubs, including Phoenix, Corpus Christi, Memphis, and Pittsburgh. Skilled labor plays a critical role here; in the last year, our industry added more than 29,000 new clean energy manufacturing jobs.

The United States has propelled advancements across a spectrum of energy sources, from traditional to cutting edge - there is every reason to believe that we’ll lead the way in the energy transition. With our shared values, LRE and Nextracker are proud to be partners in championing advanced domestic technologies and contributing to America’s leadership in clean energy innovation.

• Dan Shugar is the CEO and Co-founder of Nextracker. Jason Allen is the CEO of Leeward Renewable Energy.