Morehead State University
Assessment of Recent Trends in Renewable Energy Production in the US
Institution
Morehead State University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Hans Chapman
Abstract
Recent issues with energy supplies and cost have heightened the need for more access to alternative renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, and hydroelectric. The US consumes about 20% of the world’s total energy supply, even though its population is only 5% of the world’s population. Today, the US depends substantially on fossil fuels, mostly imported petroleum. This poses concerns for energy systems security. According to the World Energy Council (WEC), the U.S placed 12th among 90 countries in its Energy Sustainability Index in 2012. Many countries are adopting efficient energy technologies and practices. While the US is making progress in the development of renewable energy sources, particularly wind and biomass, other countries, notably Germany and Japan have outpaced the US in the production and use of photovoltaic (PV) solar technology. This work is an assessment of the current state of Renewable Energy and a view of how the US competes on the world energy systems map. Investing in renewable energy systems is critical to meeting future energy demand and to lessen the effects of climate change.
Assessment of Recent Trends in Renewable Energy Production in the US
Recent issues with energy supplies and cost have heightened the need for more access to alternative renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, and hydroelectric. The US consumes about 20% of the world’s total energy supply, even though its population is only 5% of the world’s population. Today, the US depends substantially on fossil fuels, mostly imported petroleum. This poses concerns for energy systems security. According to the World Energy Council (WEC), the U.S placed 12th among 90 countries in its Energy Sustainability Index in 2012. Many countries are adopting efficient energy technologies and practices. While the US is making progress in the development of renewable energy sources, particularly wind and biomass, other countries, notably Germany and Japan have outpaced the US in the production and use of photovoltaic (PV) solar technology. This work is an assessment of the current state of Renewable Energy and a view of how the US competes on the world energy systems map. Investing in renewable energy systems is critical to meeting future energy demand and to lessen the effects of climate change.