The US Is Already Using More Clean Energy Than You Realize
A report published by Sustainable Energy in America concluded that 40 percent of the total energy output in the United States was carbon-free in 2022.
As the world shifts toward more sustainable energy sources, clean energy has become a trending topic in recent years. It is often assumed that the United States, as one of the world’s major energy consumers, isn’t doing enough to decrease its carbon impact. Contrary to this common assumption, however, the United States has made great progress in the adoption of renewable energy over the years; in fact, it now uses more clean energy than many people give it credit for.
According to a recent report by the Sustainable Energy in America 2023 Factbook, first shared by Euronews.com, more than 40 percent of the total energy output in the United States in 2022 was generated from carbon-free sources. Additionally, the report highlighted that sales of electric vehicles (EVs) saw a significant increase in 2022, reaching approximately 982,000 units, which is a 50 percent increase from the previous year. These findings indicate a growing shift towards renewable energy and sustainable transportation in the US, as more people seek out cleaner, more efficient alternatives to traditional fossil fuels.
For the past few years, solar energy has rapidly gained momentum as the leading source of renewable energy in the United States, with the Energy Information Administration forecasting continued growth in the years ahead. In fact, renewable energy is expected to make up 42 percent of the country’s electricity generation by 2050. Tax rebates for homeowners have been a driving force behind the surge in solar adoption, as people seek to not only save money but also make a positive impact on the environment. For those still weighing the benefits of solar, the cost of installation has decreased by an impressive 70 percent over the past decade, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).
One of the main reasons for the growth of clean energy in the United States is that the cost of renewable energy technology is going down. Wind and solar energy prices have dropped dramatically over the years, making them a cheaper option than traditional fossil fuels. Research by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) shows that solar and wind power are now the most cost-effective ways to make new electricity in many parts of the world, including the United States.
Biofuels, natural gas, and hydrogen, which are all different types of fuel, are also used in the United States. According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), biofuels made up about 10 percent of all transportation fuels used in 2019. Natural gas, which burns cleaner than gasoline and diesel, is used to power cars and as a source of energy for making hydrogen. The DOE also thinks that hydrogen will be a big part of transportation in the next few years, so it has plans to make more hydrogen and put it into use all over the country.
Without a doubt, the United States has made significant strides in the adoption of clean energy sources in recent years, proving that it is a leader in the transition toward a more sustainable future.
