Powering America’s Competitive Edge

In today’s complex energy landscape, ask the average American about renewables, and environmental attributes dominate the conversation. And although those benefits are real and significant, poll the Apex team—those on the ground building these projects—and clean energy evokes entirely new phrases: economic driver, foundation of energy independence, and, certainly, a mission worth pursuing.

As we navigate shifting global economies, domestically produced renewable energy stands as a cornerstone of American prosperity and security. At Apex, we see this reality unfolding across the country as our projects deliver tangible economic benefits to communities, businesses, and consumers alike.

Just last month, we reached financial close on Lotus Wind in Illinois, advancing our growing portfolio of owned assets. This project exemplifies how renewables strengthen domestic manufacturing and job creation, with key components made right here in the United States. The project is powering hundreds of local and regional jobs during construction. Meanwhile, Great Kiskadee Storage in Texas recently achieved commercial operations, demonstrating how diverse energy technologies secure a more resilient grid.

These achievements come at a pivotal moment. As inflation concerns persist, renewable energy offers a powerful economic advantage: stability. Wind and solar consistently rank as our most affordable energy sources, with analysis from Lazard showing wind, followed closely by solar, as the lowest-cost option for new electricity generation. This translates directly to savings for ratepayers and businesses, acting as a check against rising energy costs.

The contrast with other sources of generation is stark—and the mission-critical difference is clear. While traditional power plants require years of permitting and face volatile fuel costs, wind and solar projects are readily deployable and operate with zero fuel expenses. This matters tremendously as we face rapidly increasing electricity demand from artificial intelligence (AI), data centers, and electrification. When our economy needs more power, it will take all sources of generation to meet this demand, and renewables in particular can deliver quickly and affordably because the supply is plentiful, with Apex and others standing ready alongside an established supply chain—all benefiting from years of sustained investment.

Beyond macroeconomics—where the numbers speak volumes—the local impacts are transformative. In the rural communities that host our projects, farmers and landowners receive steady, drought-resistant income that diversifies their revenue sources regardless of harvest conditions. Local governments collect substantial tax revenues that fund essential services from roads to schools. Through the Apex Community Grant Program, we take this investment one step further, supporting local organizations and everything from equipment for first responders to educational resources that benefit generations to come.

Once operational, our facilities provide long-term maintenance and operations roles that bring skilled employment opportunities to rural America. From county commissioners and school superintendents to farmers and small business owners, we can see firsthand how renewable energy projects unite diverse stakeholders around common interests. This economic case transcends ideology.

Perhaps most critically, renewable energy is a key contributor in strengthening America’s energy security. We cannot maintain global leadership in AI, advanced manufacturing, and other key sectors if we can’t generate enough affordable electricity to power these industries. With over 10 gigawatts commercialized by Apex alone—representing more than $15 billion invested—we are diligently advancing our part.

What makes today’s energy sector uniquely positioned to meet these challenges is our comprehensive approach. We understand that a reliable grid needs diverse generation sources. Wind production is highest during the evening hours and winter months; solar generates during peak daytime demand; storage fills gaps and provides flexibility and resilience. Together, they and other forms of energy generation create a system that is greater than the sum of its parts—at a crucial moment when every megawatt matters.

At Apex, we are proud to be at the forefront of this economic transformation. As we continue accelerating the shift to clean energy, we remain focused on execution, community partnership, and demonstrating that American energy is the foundation upon which our economic future will be built.

The path forward will require navigating complex challenges—policy uncertainty, grid constraints, and evolving market dynamics included. But the economic imperative is clear: affordable, reliable, American-made clean energy is essential to our national prosperity and security. That’s a future worth building together.