The Future of Renewable Energy in the U.S.

When it comes to technology, since the industrial revolution the United States has been a perennial superpower. However, with the fight to take advantage of renewable energy, U.S. policymakers have some ground to cover if they want to be at the forefront of the switch to eco-friendly sources. Luckily, this is finally becoming a priority. Look at a few things the United States has in the works to make relying less on fossil fuels and more renewable energy a big deal.

• Taking Advantage of Other Methods – In 2013, renewable energy accounted for 12.9 percent of domestically produced electricity, but the majority was hydroelectric, solar, tidal and wind power. There are a number of other options too. If the U.S. wants to soar even higher, it will be important to not only increase current methods, but also take advantage of options like biomass, geothermal energy and other types of power.
• Investing in Research – According to President Barack Obama, in a 2009 address, the development of renewable energy serves as “a new era of energy exploration”. Investing money, time and talented individuals in this research is the key to finding new methods and getting the most possible from those we have available.

• Rationalizing – There are many who do not understand why it is so important to take advantage of renewable energy in the first place. Sharing the many important reasons—both today, and in the future—is the key to getting more organizations and influential policymakers on board.

• Supporting Policies Already in Place – Luckily, there are already a number of policies in place—some voluntary and others with far-out target dates. Those organizations and governmental agencies committed to a brighter future can look at these and figure out the best ways to make things happen, even if they are legally required. Some of these policies and initiatives include:

• • Wind Powering America
  • Solar America Initiative
  • California Solar Initiative
  • EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Initiatives
  • Green Power Partnership
  • Renewable Portfolio Standards

As you can see, the United States has made quite a few strides towards higher utilization of renewable energy, but there is still a long way to go to stay ahead of the curve. Understanding renewable energy and embracing it as a country is not something that will happen overnight, but with enough desire in place, who knows what amazing things may be possible.