Question

Renewable sources of energy include photovoltaic, solar thermal electric, wind, geothermal, and hydroelectric. of these five types of energy, which one shows the greatest promise for economic viability over the next 10 years. why do you say this, and what obstacles, if any must be overcome to make this a reality?

Answer 1

1-In several areas, the outlook for renewable energy may be bright. Renewable sources currently supply about 7.2% of domestic US consumption of energy, somewhat less than the 7.7% from nuclear power, for comparison. Over 12% of electricity is produced by renewable sources. Outlook for significant growth in hydroelectricity or geothermal electricity does not seem great, but the use of biomass, solar electricity, and wind show promise for increased use. Currently, only wind seems to be in a stage of rapid growth, primarily because it is economically the most competitive in a number of locations across the country. There are plans for increased use of PV and solar thermal electricity, particularly in plans for the Solar Enterprise Zone in Nevada, which is partially federally-supported.

In general, the Energy Information Administration reports that the future of renewable energy is uncertain. Most potentially viable renewable energy technologies are not yet economically competitive and would require favorable tax treatment as well as federal and state support to develop. It can be argued that such tax incentives would be wise policy both to reduce pollution and to develop energy sources, which will be needed in the future. It is argued by many supporters that the renewable approach would be highly competitive if external costs (e.g., pollution, health and environmental effects, costs related to national security) were properly considered in setting energy prices. However, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ruled in early 1995 that states may not regulate energy utility prices in this fashion, so this major possibility of support for renewable energy production has currently been lost. One option for promoting renewable energy in the marketplace would be for governments at all levels to purchase preferentially energy from renewable sources. It remains to be seen whether technological improvements, future constraints in conventional energy supplies, or public demand for governmental intervention will permit renewable energy to achieve the major market penetrations that had once been envisioned by many enthusiastic supporters. Clearly, there are many areas in which further research and development would bring results.