Energy and Power

Biomass and wind sources to witness strong growth in renewable generation

With the EISA2007 providing impetus to the production of clean renewable fuels, electricity generation from such sources is set to register a robust growth in the U.S.

Electricity generation from wind power is expected to increase to 2.5% of the total generation in 2030 from 0.8% in 2007. Within renewable sources, generation from biomass ( both dedicated and co-firing) is forecasted to grow from 39 billion kilowatt hours in 2007 (0.9% of the total) to 231 billion kilowatt hours (4.5% of total) in 2030. Generation from geothermal facilities is also expected to increase, but at a very slow pace.

Coal to continue as a leading source in
electricity generation

The EIA forecasts that coal would continue to be the primary source of energy for U.S. electricity generation. The share of coal in total electricity generation is expected to see a modest decline from 49% in 2007 to 47% in 2030.

The share of natural gas in U.S. electricity generation is expected to remain nearly unchanged at 20% in 2030. The share of renewable generation is estimated to more than double over 2007-30 to 14% of total generation.