A State-By-State View Of U.S. Renewable Energy In 2017
As part of its Electric Power Monthly series, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released its year-end 2017 energy figures this week, detailing electricity production, use and costs at a state level. The year 2017 was another big one for wind and solar, with many leading states continuing to add to their clean energy portfolios and a few states getting into the game for the first time.
Over the last few years, the U.S. has seen remarkable growth in clean, renewable energy like wind and solar power. In 2017, renewables – such as hydropower, wind, solar and geothermal energy – made up 16% of the electricity powering the nation’s homes and businesses. This is almost double their contribution at the start of the decade.
While this is positive progress, much more still needs to be done: A recent NRDC report concluded that the U.S. should generate at least 80% of its electricity from renewable resources by 2050 in order to meet the Paris Agreement’s target of holding global warming to no more than a 2 degree increase. Without stronger policies in place, the most recent government forecast has America achieving only half that, or 40% from renewables, by 2050. However, there’s reason to think that the forecast is overly conservative, as wind and solar continue to grow across the country, and states, cities and corporations continue to ramp up their climate and clean energy commitments.
Much more: https://solarindustrymag.com/state-state-view-u-s-renewable-energy-2017
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