State clean energy policies vital to development
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s “State of the States 2010” report confirms that state policies have been highly effective at inducing development of solar, wind, and energy efficiency markets. These policies have helped increase the use of renewable energy by 3 percent across the United States in 2010 alone. Special recognition was given to Pennsylvania’s strict building codes, which have led to high standards for energy efficiency in commercial and residential construction.
Report finds renewables could provide nearly 80% of global energy demand by 2050
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recently released a report revealing that approximately 80% of the world’s energy needs could be met with renewables by the year 2050. The Special Report on Renewable Energy Sources and Climate Change Mitigation found that this could be achieved by utilizing all renewable energy technologies currently available while investing an additional 1% of global GDP annually over the next four decades. Key to reaching these objectives would be a combination of solar and wind energy. The report further suggests that wind energy alone could supply 20% of global energy demand.
Renewables surpass nuclear in 2010
The Worldwatch Institute’s “World Nuclear Industry Status Report” found that the worldwide installed capacity of renewable energy is now greater than that of nuclear power. This signals a pivotal moment in the development of global renewable energy markets. The report also indicates that subsidies for nuclear energy have been far more generous in the past than those for wind power.
SOURCE: Citizens for Pennyslvania’s Future (Penn Future) May 2011