South Dakota is ranked No. 1 in the nation for the percentage of its energy that is produced by renewable sources. 

The state’s share of clean-energy production is 92% as of 2024, up from 70% in 2023. Iowa is second (83%) and Kansas third (74%). In 2025 when the state’s share of renewable energy was 81%, wind power generated 59% with most of the rest coming from hydropower. 

South Dakota wind turbines provide enough energy to take the equivalent of 2.2 million cars off the road, and wind energy in the state has quadrupled since 2019.

That clean-energy boom has led to an increase of jobs. The state has 12,500 jobs in the field, representing a 1.6% bump since 2024. 

Solar power generation increased from 4 gigawatt hours (GWh) in 2022 to 346 GWh in 2024, enough to power 35,000 homes.

This fact brief responds to conversations such as this one.

Sources

Environment America, What are the top 10 states for renewable energy?

South Dakota News Watch, Renewable energy industry powers new job growth in SD

SDPB, South Dakota benefits from Midwest green energy boom, but lags behind peers

U.S. Energy Information Administration, South Dakota State Energy profile

Environment America, South Dakota, an unexpected leader in renewable energy

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This story was produced by South Dakota News Watch, an independent, nonprofit organization. Read more stories and donate at sdnewswatch.org and sign up for an email to get stories when they’re published. Contact Michael Klinski at michael.klinski@sdnewswatch.org.

Fact brief