More Power
Renewable Energy Grows to Second-Largest Source of U.S. Power Last year, renewable energy sources — including wind, hydropower, solar, biomass and geothermal energy — generated about 21% of all the electricity generated in the United States, or a record 834 billion kWh. This put renewable generation surpassing both nuclear (790 billion kWh) and coal (774 billion kWh) for the first time on record, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). “This outcome in 2020 was due mostly to significantly less coal use in U.S. electricity generation and steadily increased use of wind and solar,” EIA said. “In 2020, U.S. electricity generation from coal in all sectors declined 20% from 2019.” Renewables, including wind power and small-scale solar, increased by 9% during the period. Wind power, currently the most prevalent source of renewable electricity in the country, grew 14% in 2020 from 2019. In coming years, EIA expects natural gas generation to remain dominant while other sources fluctuate. Coal is expected to rebound as the second-largest source in 2021, while renewables are expected to reclaim the #2 spot in 2022.
Annual U.S. Electricity Generation (1990–2020) billion kilowatthours (kWh)
Source: EIA Monthly Energy Review Note: This graph shows electricity net generation in all sectors (electric power, industrial, commercial, and residential) and includes both utility-scale and small-scale (customer-sited, less than 1 megawatt) solar.
Q: What was our main power source 100 years ago?
A:
From the time our country was founded to the late 1800s, a typical family relied on wood as its primary source of energy, according to EIA. But the nation’s first commercial central power plant — Thomas Edison’s Pearl Street Station in Manhattan — used coal to create steam beginning in 1882. Several hydropower plants came online in the late 1800s, but coal technology continued to develop and overtook wood as our primary energy source by the turn of the century. “While the overall energy history of the United States is one of significant change as new forms of energy were developed, the three major fossil fuels [petroleum, natural gas and coal] have dominated the U.S. fuel mix for well over 100 years,” EIA said.
Celebrate National Drive Electric Week National Drive Electric Week is September 25–October 3, which provides an opportunity to learn about electric vehicles (EVs) and determine if an EV is right for you. There are a few ways you can join in:
1
Attend an event. Electric co-ops will be hosting events in communities around the state to introduce members to the benefits of driving electric. Find what’s happening near you from Plug-in NC, the statewide program affiliated with Raleigh-based Advanced Energy, at pluginnc.com.
2
Plan an event. Nothing going on near you? Host your own event! Download a planning guide from Plug-in NC (bit.ly/plugin-event), or visit driveelectricweek.org.
3
Learn more from your electric co-op. Use the opportunity to discuss EVs with your local electric co-op. Many offer incentives for driving electric, and all will be happy to discuss how an EV may make sense for you. carolinacountry.com | 9
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