In the U.S., renewable energy (green) is becoming more critical.
Early U.S. energy consumers replaced wood with coal, oil, and gas for electricity production. Solar power, wind energy, and biofuel are among the renewable sources of energy that are increasingly used today. In turn, consumption of nonrenewablenonrenewable sources of energy is decreasing.
In 2016, around 15 U.S. electricity consumption was derived from renewable energy sources. This is a 33% increase compared to the 10% renewable energy consumption in the previous decade. At least things are going in the right direction.
Surprisingly, the U.S. electricity industry consumed 55% of all renewable energy in 2016. Why? The industry uses it to generate electricity.
In 2016, the electricity produced by industries in the country was derived from renewable sources.
NONRENEWABLENONRENEWABLE VS. RENEWABLE ENERGY
Solar, wind, geothermal, and hydro renewable energy are all highly desired. Fossil fuels emit greenhouse gasses directly. Renewable resources are infinitely renewable (especially solar and wind).
Renewables also improve the local air quality and, therefore public health. Most renewable energy production does not damage the soil like fossil fuel extraction. Renewable energy production often uses very little water (mainly solar and wind).
Moreover, the lower costs in the future will offset any higher costs upfront. Renewable energy also creates more jobs than fossil fuels. Renewables also make the grid stronger by diversifying its energy sources.
Renewable energy is still more expensive than fossil fuels to produce and use. State and federal incentives and requirements have been used to reduce the higher costs and promote renewable energy production. The U.S. Energy Information Administration predicts that renewable energy usage in the U.S. will continue to grow through 2040.
Location is often the cause of higher costs associated with renewable energies. The best places for renewable energy production are often in remote locations, such as wind turbines in the Texas and California deserts. It is, therefore, relatively expensive to build lines to transport electricity from rural areas to where people live.
Renewable energy sources are only sometimes available. Clouds, for example, can reduce the production of solar power electrical plants. The wind is more robust at certain times of the day. This can cause a reduction in electricity production by wind farms when usage is high. Hydropower production can be reduced by prolonged periods of drought.
All our energy sources have their advantages and disadvantages. Combining multiple energy sources is a current priority to ensure a sustainable future. This model of the energy industry is called.
NONRENEWABLENONRENEWABLE SOURCES OF ENERGY
The majority of electrical power in the United States is still derived from petroleum (37%), gas (29%), and coal (4%), for a total of 80%. The total renewable energy is only around 20%. From another perspective, however, 20% is still far from the 0% achieved not too long ago.
Having 20% of our electricity come from renewable sources is a huge achievement. This is also a very positive sign for the future of our country. Nevertheless, some estimates say we are moving too slowly.
The building of new generating capacity ensures that energy will be available in the future—the U.S. benefits from plans to secure a stable future in energy.
Improve energy efficiency at home
Developing sustainable resources
Reduce reliance on nonrenewable resources
There are many challenges in the energy sector.
Resource quantity
Supply Sustainability
Climate Change Impacts
Energy security
Comparative cost-efficiency
All parties must work together to find sustainable solutions. All parties must join forces to achieve the goal of energy security.