Can Renewable Energy Survive in the U.S.?
For renewable energy in the U.S., the question of survival and growth is still unanswered. After all, the Department of Energy has been funding renewable energy research and development since its inception some 34 years ago from the consolidation of the Federal Energy Administration, the Federal Power Commission and the Energy Research and Development Administration, which was tasked to manage the nuclear weapon, naval reactor and energy development programs.
Concurrently, support for biofuels, photovoltaic and solar thermal energy systems, wind and geothermal systems and hydrogen have pervaded all government leaders’ speeches as the way to achieve energy independence and environmental stewardship.
The New York Times reported that by 2009 the renewable energy industry supplied 8 percent of the energy consumed in the U.S. (see chart below). Though not counting conventional hydro, which today is not considered a renewable source of energy, renewable energy still supplied about 5 percent of all our energy needs. One could say, 5 percent is better than no percent. Additionally, the same NYT report claims the U.S. solar market has grown to a $6 billion industry.
The New York Times reported that by 2009 the renewable energy industry supplied 8 percent of the energy consumed in the U.S. (see chart below). Though not counting conventional hydro, which today is not considered a renewable source of energy, renewable energy still supplied about 5 percent of all our energy needs. One could say, 5 percent is better than no percent. Additionally, the same NYT report claims the U.S. solar market has grown to a $6 billion industry.
