Massachusetts is stepping up its clean energy ambitions with a strong focus on solar power and energy storage, as the state seeks to lower electricity costs and strengthen energy security.

According to an executive order signed by the Governor of Massachusetts, Maura Healey, the state aims to bring 4 GW of new solar capacity and 5 GW of energy storage online by 2035. The plan forms part of a broader strategy to add 10 GW of new energy resources over the next decade.

The initiative comes at a time of rising electricity demand and increasing pressure on energy prices. By prioritizing solar and storage—widely seen as among the fastest and most cost-effective technologies to deploy—Massachusetts aims to improve grid reliability while reducing the cost burden on consumers.

Industry stakeholders have welcomed the move. The Solar Energy Industries Association said the executive order directly addresses the need to scale up affordable and reliable energy solutions. The association highlighted that solar and storage can be deployed quickly and play a critical role in keeping electricity prices under control, particularly as demand continues to grow.

Massachusetts currently has around 5.8 GW of installed solar capacity, enough to power more than 960,000 homes, along with approximately 1 GWh of energy storage. Expanding both technologies is expected to enhance grid flexibility and help manage peak demand, especially during winter months when electricity consumption is projected to rise sharply.

The plan also includes measures to accelerate project deployment, including reforms to grid interconnection processes and efforts to bring new capacity online faster. In addition, the state will explore ways to optimize existing infrastructure and integrate more distributed energy resources, such as virtual power plants.

With this strategy, Massachusetts is positioning solar and storage at the center of its energy transition, aiming to deliver a more resilient, affordable, and sustainable power system in the years ahead.