Renewable energy is energy that is collected from renewable sources which are replenished naturally such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves and solar. The United States up until the mid 1800's used wood as the main source of energy for heating cooking and light. From the late 1800's up into today fossil fuels-coal, natural gas and petroleum have been major sources of energy. Hydropower and biomass were the main renewable energy resources used in the 1990's, since then biofuels, wind and solar energy have increased.
Renewable energy in the United States accounts for over 8% of energy consumption. Most of that energy is coming from biomass and hydroelectric sources. The amount of energy produced by renewable sources has increased by 15%. The United States mostly used renewable energy source is wind since 1995. The uses of wind power has increased by over 2,000%. Despite the growth of wind energy it accounts for less than 3/4's of the nation's energy supply. Solar has grown over 55% since 1995, and the cost of per-kilowatt solar panels has fallen so the interest in buying solar panels is expected to increase.
Pros and Cons
Pros
-Renewable energy won't run out.
-Not as much harm to the planet
-They bring economic benefits to regional areas.
-Low maintenance energy sources.
-WInd power is very clean for the planet.
Cons
-Unreliable energy affects energy supply.
-Hard producing renewable energy than non renewable energy.
-Wind turbines can affect wildlife.
-Biomass power plants affect the environment.
The Future
The future for renewable energy is looking good. Renewable energy products help the United States become more energy independent. Renewable energy projects have consumption of the energy usually located by those areas. By having renewable energy consumers located closely to the area it decreases environmental impact, decreases cost and gives government independency. The cost of renewable energy resources are falling which people can benefit from in the future.
Renewable energy in the United States accounts for over 8% of energy consumption. Most of that energy is coming from biomass and hydroelectric sources. The amount of energy produced by renewable sources has increased by 15%. The United States mostly used renewable energy source is wind since 1995. The uses of wind power has increased by over 2,000%. Despite the growth of wind energy it accounts for less than 3/4's of the nation's energy supply. Solar has grown over 55% since 1995, and the cost of per-kilowatt solar panels has fallen so the interest in buying solar panels is expected to increase.
Pros and Cons
Pros
-Renewable energy won't run out.
-Not as much harm to the planet
-They bring economic benefits to regional areas.
-Low maintenance energy sources.
-WInd power is very clean for the planet.
Cons
-Unreliable energy affects energy supply.
-Hard producing renewable energy than non renewable energy.
-Wind turbines can affect wildlife.
-Biomass power plants affect the environment.
The Future
The future for renewable energy is looking good. Renewable energy products help the United States become more energy independent. Renewable energy projects have consumption of the energy usually located by those areas. By having renewable energy consumers located closely to the area it decreases environmental impact, decreases cost and gives government independency. The cost of renewable energy resources are falling which people can benefit from in the future.