New study suggests the US is edging towards a renewable future

“To a visitor from an earlier century, America in 2021 would be unimaginably advanced in all ways but one: we still rely on dirty and dangerous fossil fuels to meet our energy needs,” said Susan Rakov, Chair of Environment America Research and Policy Center’s Clean Energy programme. “But it doesn’t have to be that way. This report shows that between the sunshine and the wind, we have the potential to run our society on clean energy, today and in the future.”

The report found that US solar energy resources have the technical potential to meet America’s 2020 electricity demand more than 77 times over, and US onshore and offshore wind resources could meet America’s 2020 demand 11 times over. In addition, all 50 states have sufficient solar or wind potential to meet current electricity needs, and 49 have enough to do so under a 2050 scenario in which energy uses like transportation and buildings run on electricity.

Along with describing renewable potential, the authors highlight the broad agreement among researchers that an energy system powered by renewable sources is within reach. This analysis adds to that body of research by identifying four key strategies that will be essential to transforming the nation’s energy system: building out renewable energy; modernising the grid; reducing and managing energy use; and replacing direct uses of fossil fuels with electricity to take advantage of clean technologies. The paper points to encouraging trends in technology, prices and adoption that suggest progress in each of the four areas can be further accelerated in the years to come.

“How quickly America shifts toward wind and solar will be decided by how and when we lean into fully erecting the four pillars outlined in this report,” said Emma Searson, 100% Renewable Campaign Director at Environment America Research and Policy Center. “Given the remarkable technological advances and progress we’ve made so far, we should feel confident in our ability to build each and every one of them.”

The report calls on policymakers at the local, state and federal levels to set ambitious goals for the transition to clean, renewable energy, as well as provide the support needed to ensure clean energy can actually deliver on those goals.

“We know the steps we need to take to ensure a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future,” Searson said. “But this race won't run itself – our leaders need to set up some mile markers, lace up their sneakers and start running so that America is in position to tap the abundant renewable resources at our fingertips.”

For more news and technical articles from the global renewable industry, read the latest issue of Energy Global magazine.

Energy Global's Spring 2021 issue

The Spring issue of Energy Global features a varied spectrum of in-depth technical articles detailing recent projects, future projections, and technological advancements in the renewables sector, from companies including GlobalData, Atlas Copco, Watlow, QED Naval, TRACTO, AB Energy, and more.

Read the article online at: https://www.energyglobal.com/special-reports/03062021/new-study-suggests-the-us-is-edging-towards-a-renewable-future/