Renewable energy sources including biomass, hydropower, geothermal, wind, and
solar provide 8% of the energy used in the United States. Most renewable energy
goes to producing electricity.
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Renewable Basics
What is renewable energy?
Renewable energy sources can be replenished.There are five commonly used renewable energy sources:
- Biomass—includes:
- Hydropower
- Geothermal
- Wind
- Solar
Many paper mills use wood waste to produce steam and
electricity.
Source: Stock photography
(copyrighted)
What role does renewable energy play in the United States?
More than 150 years ago, wood supplied nearly 90% of the nation's energy needs. As the use of coal, petroleum, and natural gas expanded, the United States became less reliant on wood as an energy source. Today, renewable energy sources like wood are once again a growing source in meeting the nation's energy needs.In 2013, consumption of renewable energy sources in the United States totaled about 9 quadrillion British thermal units (Btu)—1 quadrillion is the number 1 followed by 15 zeros—or about 10% of total U.S. energy consumption. About 13% of U.S. electricity was generated from renewable sources in 2013.
More than half of U.S. renewable energy use is for producing electricity. Biomass (wood and waste) is the second most commonly used renewable energy source. Biomass is used to produce heat and steam for industrial purposes, and it is also used for space heating, mostly in homes. Biomass also includes biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel, which are used for transportation.
Renewable energy plays an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. When renewable energy sources are used, the demand for fossil fuels is reduced. Unlike fossil fuels, non-biomass renewable sources of energy (hydropower, geothermal, wind, and solar) do not directly emit greenhouse gases.
The production and use of biofuels and nonhydroelectric renewable energy sources nearly doubled from 2003 to 2013, mainly because of state and federal government mandates and incentives for renewable energy. The use of renewable fuels is expected to continue to grow over the next 25 years, but EIA still projects that the United States will use nonrenewable fuels to meet most of its energy needs through 2040.
