Renewable Energy In The United States

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Alternative use of energy can be traced back to as early as 2000 BC. “According to the report of an early missionary to China, coal was already being burned there for heating and cooking, and had been so employed for up to 4000 years” (Heinberg, 2013). However, the evolution of alternative energy and the varied uses of alternative energy have been significant from 2000 BC to present day. A quick view of the attached Historical Timeline (“Exhibit A”) shows how much the uses of alternative energy have changed, as well as the how it evolved from a lump of coal to solar-powered plants. There have been different types of energy used in the United States over the years. This change has been driven by advances in technology, “energy resource discoveries, …show more content…
Fast forward to the 2007 and the use of renewable energy in the United States has increased to 8%. (Evolution of Renewable Energy). Since 2012 the United States is only importing approximately 15% of net energy and has seen a 13% increase in production of renewable energy (Evolution of Renewable Energy). “The major energy sources consumed in the United States are petroleum (oil), natural gas, coal, nuclear energy, and renewable energy. The major user sectors of these energy sources are residential and commercial buildings, industry, transportation, and electric power.” (U.S. Energy Administration Information, 2015). “Links between the sectors and the energy sources spent in those sectors change over time”. (U.S. Energy Administration Information, 2015). The greatest source …show more content…
(Grunwald, 2008) “Compact fluorescent light bulbs use 75% less power than traditional incandescent bulbs.” (Grunwald, 2008). Our current refrigerators are three times more energy efficient than the models from 1973. (Grunwald, 2008). Our vehicles have become more fuel-efficient and therefore consume less gas. (Grunwald, 2008). Our homes now come equipped with close to energy-efficient everything! From windows that “weatherize our homes to avoid heating our attics and the outdoors” (Grunwald, 2008), to microwaves, washers and dryers to motion sensor lights and programmable thermostats for air conditioners. (Grunwald, 2008). The evolution of renewable energy has made it possible for today’s generation to have today’s top household appliances at their fingertips and in their homes without ever really thinking about
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