Renewable energy can come in many forms, including state-owned. Both wind and solar power can provide significant amounts of electricity. But in some states, waste-to-energy plants are a very lucrative option. These plants are able to convert unwanted waste into energy and compete with utilities. 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
The U.S. had more than 48 % of its total renewable electricity generation capacity at the end 2021. The numbers are divided by type, with utility-scale PV making up the largest share with 59,534.5 GW of installed capacity and generating 111,755 GWh of electricity. However, small-scale PV had 32,972.3GW installed capacity and accounted for the second-largest portion.
According to the EIA solar electricity installations will make up more than 48 percent in new renewable energy capacity over the next two years. Combining with battery storage, utility-scale sun will add 51 GW to the nation’s power grid.
Wind power was responsible for more than 48%
The EIA estimates that the United States has more than 81GW of installed wind power capacity. Texas is the most productive state for wind energy generation with more than 92 terawatt hours of electricity 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 has been a major energy source with the potential to reduce greenhouse gases emissions. Wind energy can be used for heating and electricity supply. While wind energy accounted for less than 2% of electricity generation in 1990, it now accounts for more than 48% of renewable energy in the country. Also, wind energy is essential for agriculture and forest. While biomass can be used to produce heat and electricity, it has historically been a niche resource.
Biomass accounted for 9% of the world's primary energy supply
Biomass has a large potential for bioenergy production and is the foundation of the bioeconomy. It is expanding rapidly and the global demand for biomass products is expected increase as we transition to a low emission economy. Biomass is an extremely diverse resource, with uses ranging from waste streams from the paper industry to high-quality food products. Currently, about 55% of all biomass is used in food and feed products, while the rest is used for bioenergy or biomaterials. Another important area for biomass is in chemical manufacturing. Biobased chemicals demand is increasing rapidly.
Wood is the most commonly used biomass. You can choose from round wood or wood scraps from industrial activities. Wood can be used in many ways, including space heating and industrial processes. It also serves as a source of steam for steam turbines. Anaerobic digestion is another way to create methane from biomass. Additionally, methane is also possible from solid wastes and sewage. Manure, agricultural waste and other sources can also be used to make biomass. In addition to wood, biomass can also be used to make alcohols by distillation.
Africa's total energy production was 20% from natural gas
Africa is home to a large natural gas potential. It was responsible for 20% of Africa's total energy generation. Although the continent has few coal-fired power plants, it has enormous potential for solar power generation. 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 also imperative because the impacts of climate change are expected to fall heavily on the continent. In Africa, policymakers are increasingly calling on developed nations to reduce GHG emissions. These countries became rich by burning fossil fuels and now want to help developing nations tackle climate change by providing technology and financial support.
Alaska's coal industry accounted to 20% of total energy generation
Despite its negative environmental impact, coal remains an important energy source. The majority of U.S. energy production comes from coal, which is used to generate electricity. However, coal is not as inexpensive as it was in the past. Because coal is not renewable energy, it is not always the best option.
Although coal accounted to more than 20% in the state's electricity generation in 2010, the industry isn’t dying. It is in constant transformation. However, renewables will not replace the lost jobs. However, there are new opportunities for economic growth due to the booming industry of renewable energy. Jobs in clean energy are more lucrative than the national average. Many of these jobs don't even require college degrees. The fact is that 45% of those who work in clean energy earn significantly more than their counterparts from other industries, and they don't even have to have a college education.