In the United States, renewable energy is increasingly playing a role in diversifying the country’s energy supply. A variety of renewable energy sources are being developed and deployed, including solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal.
The use of renewable energy is growing in the United States, as both public and private sector entities are looking for ways to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and diversify their energy mix. A number of federal and state policies have been put in place to support the development of renewable energy, including tax incentives, production targets, and renewable portfolio standards. In addition, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) is investing in a range of technologies, including solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal, through its research, development, and demonstration programs.
Solar
Solar energy is one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources in the United States. Solar photovoltaic (PV) installations have increased dramatically in recent years, due in part to declining PV technology costs, state and federal policies supporting solar energy, and the growing interest in solar among utilities, businesses, and homeowners.
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the U.S. solar PV market grew by 95% in 2016, with 14.6 GW of PV capacity installed. This growth is expected to continue, with SEIA projecting that the U.S. solar PV market will grow by an additional 66% in 2017, to reach 24 GW of installed capacity.
Wind
Wind energy is also a rapidly growing renewable energy source in the United States. Between 2000 and 2016, the installed capacity of wind energy in the United States grew by a factor of more than 25, from about 2.5 GW to more than 60 GW. This growth is expected to continue, with the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) projecting that installed capacity will reach more than 100 GW by 2020.
A number of factors are driving the growth of wind energy in the United States, including declining technology costs, state and federal policies supporting wind energy, and the increasing interest in wind power among utilities, businesses, and homeowners.
Biomass
Biomass is another renewable energy source that is growing in the United States. Biomass can be used to generate electricity, produce heat, or create biofuels.
According to the Biomass Power Association (BPA), there are currently more than 200 biomass power plants in operation in the United States, with a total installed capacity of more than 11 GW. This growth is expected to continue, with the BPA projecting that the installed capacity of biomass power plants will reach more than 15 GW by 2020.
Geothermal
Geothermal energy is another renewable energy source with significant potential in the United States. Geothermal energy can be used to generate electricity
Other related questions:
Q: How is the US using renewable energy?
A: The United States is using renewable energy in a number of ways. The most common renewable energy sources in the country are solar, wind, and hydroelectric. Solar energy is used to generate electricity, to heat buildings, and to power vehicles. Wind energy is used to generate electricity and to pump water. Hydroelectric energy is used to generate electricity.
Q: How much of the US energy comes from renewable energy?
A: According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, renewable energy accounted for about 11% of the total U.S. energy consumption in 2018.
Q: How do you diversify energy sources?
A: There are many ways to diversify energy sources. Some common methods include using multiple types of energy sources, using renewable energy sources, and using energy efficiency measures.
Q: How does the United States get the majority of its energy?
A: The United States gets the majority of its energy from oil and natural gas.
Bibliography
- Diversifying energy sources boosts security | ShareAmerica
- Why the energy mix of the future is diversified – Vox
- Renewable Energy at EPA | US EPA
- US renewable energy transition | Deloitte Insights
- U.S. Renewable Energy Factsheet
- Renewable Energy to Support Energy Security – NREL
- The Future of Power: Diversifying renewable energy