Renewable energy can come in many forms, including state-owned. Wind power and solar power both provide a great deal of electricity. However, in certain states, waste to energy plants are very profitable. By converting unwanted waste to valuable energy, these plants can compete for utilities' dollars. Some states allow waste-to-energy plant, while others do not.
Renewable electricity capacity in the United States was 48% based on solar electricity installations
As of the end of 2021, solar electricity installations made up more than 48 percent of the U.S.'s total renewable electricity capacity. The numbers are split by type with utility-scale PV accounting for the largest percentage with 59.534.5GW installed capacity and producing 111.755 GWh electricity. With 32,972.3GW of installed capacity, small-scale PV was second.
According to EIA estimates, solar electricity will account more than 48 per cent of all new renewable power capacity in the U.S. within the next 2 years. Combining with battery storage, utility-scale sun will add 51 GW to the nation’s power grid.
Wind power accounts for over 48%
The United States is home to more than 81 GW of installed wind energy capacity, according to the EIA. Texas is the leading state in wind energy generation, with over 92 terawatt-hours of electricity produced 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 is widely used today, including for heating and electricity. In 1990, wind energy made up less than 2% electricity generation. Today, 48% of all renewable energy is generated by wind energy. Also, wind energy is essential for agriculture and forest. However, biomass can also be used for heat and electricity production. It was once a niche energy source.
9% of the world’s primary energy supply was made up by biomass
Biomass has a large potential for bioenergy production and is the foundation of the bioeconomy. Biomass is rapidly growing and will continue to grow as the world moves to a low carbon economy. Biomass can be used for many purposes, from paper waste to high-quality food products. Around 55% to 60% of biomass is currently used as food and feed, with the remainder being used for bioenergy. Another important area for biomass is in chemical manufacturing. The demand for biobased chemicals is growing at a fast rate.
Wood is the main type of biomass. You can choose from round wood or wood scraps from industrial activities. Wood is used in various ways. Anaerobic digestion can also use biomass to produce methane. Methane can also be made from solid waste materials and sewage. Manure and agricultural residue are also sources of biomass. Additional to wood, biomass is also used to produce alcohols via distillation.
Natural gas accounted for 20% of the total energy generation in Africa
Africa has enormous potential to produce natural gas. It accounted for 20% in Africa's total energy generation in 2016. It has a lot of potential for solar power generation, despite having very few coal-fired power stations. Southern Africa's rural areas are particularly susceptible to solar photovoltaic technology.
Africa's energy shortfall is a major problem. We must find a way to bridge it. It is imperative, as the effects of climate change are likely to be devastating. Policymakers in Africa are increasingly calling on developed countries to take the lead on reducing GHG emissions. These countries, which have become rich from fossil fuels, want to support developing nations in tackling climate change with technology and financial assistance.
Alaska's coal production accounted for 20%
Coal is an energy source that is still in high demand despite its negative environmental impact. Coal is used in electricity generation and accounts to more than 30% U.S. energy output. However, coal is not as inexpensive as it was in the past. Coal is not a reliable source of energy and is therefore not the best choice.
The state still generates more than 20% of its energy from coal in 2010. But the industry isn't dead. It is only in transition and can't replace all those jobs lost to coal. A booming renewable energy industry is creating new opportunities. 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.