Alternate Sources
Wind- It is generally the most economical source of renewable energy, competitive with and sometimes cheaper than electricity from fossil fuels and nuclear power. Good sites can produce wind power at eight to ten cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) – even less when the federal tax credit is factored in. (By comparison, the cost of electricity from a new natural gas plant in California is ten to eleven cents per kWh.) Wind power is expected to become even more cost-effective as the industry develops larger turbines and the price of fossil fuels continues to rise, as it surely will in the long-term.
Coal- Coal is used to produce half of the Nation's electrical energy needs. Increasing demands for clean coal energy make information on affordable and reliable coal supplies essential for the energy industry and policy makers in the near future and the long term.
Natural Gas- Natural gas, because of its clean burning nature, has become a very popular fuel for the generation of electricity. In the 1970's and 80's, the choices for most electric utility generators were large coal or nuclear powered plants; but, due to economic, environmental, and technological changes, natural gas has become the fuel of choice for new power plants. In fact, in 2009, 23,475 MW (megawatts) of new generation capacity are planned in the U.S. Of this, over 50%, or 12,334 MW will be natural gas fired additions.
Coal- Coal is used to produce half of the Nation's electrical energy needs. Increasing demands for clean coal energy make information on affordable and reliable coal supplies essential for the energy industry and policy makers in the near future and the long term.
Natural Gas- Natural gas, because of its clean burning nature, has become a very popular fuel for the generation of electricity. In the 1970's and 80's, the choices for most electric utility generators were large coal or nuclear powered plants; but, due to economic, environmental, and technological changes, natural gas has become the fuel of choice for new power plants. In fact, in 2009, 23,475 MW (megawatts) of new generation capacity are planned in the U.S. Of this, over 50%, or 12,334 MW will be natural gas fired additions.
