Renewables are the future of our society, so far, there is no doubt. But what is the most promising source on the planet? Hydrogen has been among them, but America has just discovered the “golden” energy that will make us win not only in economic terms, but also in ecological terms. Moreover, experts already estimate $250 Bn in benefits for the whole country, as well as a new energy and mobility model that will position us as world leaders. Do you know which one we are talking about? You won’t believe it.
America is going to raise $250 Bn in benefits: New “golden” energy has been discovered
A fresh research carried out in Cell Reports Sustainability has shown that there is so much money to be made in America if only it becomes more aggressive in utilizing renewable power. The shift to renewable power not only brings down emissions of greenhouse gases but also boosts air quality, which is worth billions of dollars to the country.
The study, which has adopted data analytics on the power generation from the renewable sources of energy from 2019 to 2022, reveals that the generation of wind and solar energy has increased enormously, on the average by 55%. Concentrating on wind and solar sources of electricity generation, by 2022 they have provided about 14% of the overall power demand in the United States.
Converted from traditional fossil fuel-fired power plants to renewable energy sources, this happened to cut 900 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, the same as eliminating 71 million cars per year from the world market. Further, the utilization of wind and solar energy reduced 1 million metric tons of CO2 and NOX emissions.
These energy sources are “sweeping America”: Beyond photovoltaics and wind
We want you to take a look at which renewable energy projects are being developed in America. Of course, we will go beyond photovoltaics and wind, from which you already have enough:
- Geothermal energy: Geothermal energy is rich in the United States, especially in the western part of the country. Currently, geothermal power plants are in the preparation process at some California, Nevada and Utah sites to exploit the heat of the earth for electric power production.
- Hydroelectric power: Hydroelectric power is also a part of the US since the main power stations, such as the Hoover Dam and the Grand Coulee Dam, were developed. New hydroelectric projects are being planned and constructed, like the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project in Alaska, which, at peak, can generate up to 600 MW.
- Bioenergy: Agricultural residues, energy crops, and municipal waste are being fed into electricity generation and transport fuel production in bioenergy projects in the USA. For example, the Fulcrum Sierra BioFuels plant located in Nevada is expected to generate 11 million gallons of renewable transportation biofuels in a year from MSW.
- Marine energy: Of all the regions in the United States of America, Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest have the largest potential for marine energy. New Experimental facilities, such as the PacWave South test site on the Oregon coast, are being deployed as test beds for wave energy.
- Hydrogen: The US announced it will spend on hydrogen projects to develop clean fuel from renewable energy sources. For instance, the Intermountain Power Project in Utah converts to use both natural gas and Hydrogen as fuel and aims for full-green hydrogen by 2040.
Which states are taking the lead? $250 Bn are being “distributed” among these places
Several states have emerged as leaders in the transition to renewable energy, each with its own unique strengths and approaches:
- California: Given the fact that California is one of the destinations blessed with excellent solar power conditions and possesses the highest renewable energy plan targets, it has dominated the solar energy market.
- Texas: Despite having incredible wind potential, Texas now holds the record of the most extensive wind energy generation in the USA, with more than 30 GW of installed capacities.
- Hawaii: With the goal of generating 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by the year 2045 Hawaii has launched several projects based on solar, wind and geothermal energies to seize more reliance on imported fossil fuels.
- New York: Focusing on 85% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, New York has come forward for investing in Off Shore Wind, Solar and energy storage facility to reshape the energy ecosystem of New York.
- Florida: Taking the best of the climate situation, Florida’s solar-energy capacity is set to grow much faster, with the intention of generating over 10 GW of solar power by 2030.
When we talk about “golden” energy, as you have seen, we are talking about a set of 100% clean and renewable sources, among which, of course, nuclear power is not included. A diversified and powerful mix, such as the one we are developing, is the key to revolutionizing the energy landscape in our country, although we do not have the geothermal potential of Iceland or the innovation in hydrogen mobility that Japan (and soon, China) boasts.
