There are many forms of renewable energy that can be used by the state. Both solar power and wind power provide great electricity. But in some states, waste-to-energy plants are a very lucrative option. Those plants compete with utilities for their dollars by converting unwanted waste into valuable energy. Some states allow waste-to-energy plant, while others do not.
More than 48% of the U.S. renewable electricity capacities were generated by solar electricity installations
Solar electricity installations accounted for more than 48 percent in the U.S. total renewable electricity capacity as of 2021. These numbers can be divided by type. Utility-scale PV has the highest share of all with 59,534.5GW of installed capacity and generates 111,755GWh of electricity. The second-largest percentage was made up by small-scale PV with 32.972.3 GW installed capacity.
According to the EIA solar electricity installations will make up more than 48 percent in new renewable energy capacity over the next two years. With battery energy storage, utility scale solar will add 51GW to America's power grid.
Wind power was responsible for more than 48%
According to EIA, the United States boasts more than 80 GW of existing wind energy capacity. Texas is the state with the highest wind energy generation capacity, producing more than 92 trillion terawatt-hours each year. This is more energy than the other three states combined. They account for only 6 percent of the nation's electricity generation.
Wind energy is now a popular energy source. It has the potential of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Wind energy can be used for heating and electricity supply. In 1990, wind energy made up less than 2% electricity generation. Today, 48% of all renewable energy is generated by wind energy. It is important for agriculture as well as forestry. Biomass can also be used as a source of heat and electricity. However, this was only a niche option in the past.
Biomass was responsible for 9% global primary energy supplies
Biomass has a large potential for bioenergy production and is the foundation of the bioeconomy. It is expanding rapidly and the global demand for biomass products is expected increase as we transition to a low emission economy. Biomass can be used for many purposes, from paper waste to high-quality food products. Current estimates indicate that approximately 55% is used in food, feed, and other products. The remaining biomass is used for bioenergy, biomaterials, or biomaterials. Another important area for biomass is in chemical manufacturing. The demand for biobased chemicals is growing at a fast rate.
Wood is the most popular type of biomass. This can be either round wood, or wood waste from industrial activities. Wood is used for various applications, from industrial processes to space heating, and for steam generation in steam turbines. Anaerobic digestion, which uses biomass to make methane, is another option. Also, methane can come from solid landfill waste and sewage. Manure and agricultural residue are also sources of biomass. Additionally to wood, biomass can also serve as a source of alcohol through distillation.
Africa's energy generation came from 20% of Africa's natural gas reserves
Africa is home to a large natural gas potential. It was responsible for 20% of Africa's total energy generation. Although it does not have any coal-fired power plants in the continent, there is a huge potential for solar power production. Southern Africa has a lot of potential for solar photovoltaic generation.
Africa's energy crisis is a serious problem. Bridging this gap is crucial to its economic development. It is crucial because climate change will have a significant impact on Africa. Africa's policymakers are increasingly calling for developed countries in Africa to take the lead in reducing GHG emission. These countries were rich through the burning of fossil fuels. Now they want to provide technology and financial support to developing nations to combat climate change.
Alaska's coal production accounted for 20%
Even though coal has a negative impact on the environment, it is still an energy source in high demand. Coal is used for electricity generation, accounting for over 30% of U.S. power production. Unfortunately, coal isn't quite as cheap as it used be. Coal is not a reliable source of energy and is therefore not the best choice.
Although coal accounted to more than 20% in the state's electricity generation in 2010, the industry isn’t dying. It is in constant transformation. However, renewables will not replace the lost jobs. But there are also many new economic opportunities emerging due to a booming renewable energy industry. Many jobs in clean energy pay higher than the national average and don't require college degrees. Indeed, nearly 45% of workers in the clean energy industry do not have a college diploma and are paid significantly more than their counterparts working in other industries.