Net Electrical Generation from Non-Hydro Renewables Grows by 12%
U.S. Energy Information Administration, January 23, 2013
According to the latest issue of EIA's "Electric Power Monthly," net
U.S. electrical generation from non-hydro renewables (i.e., biomass,
solar, water, wind) grew by 11.9% during the first 11 months of 2012
compared to the same period in 2011. Together, non-hydro renewable
energy sources accounted for 5.32% of total generation in 2012 compared
to 4.70% in 2011. Individually, solar expanded by 140.7%, wind by 15.0%,
geothermal by 9.6%, and biomass by 1.7%. Wind accounted for nearly
two-thirds (63.7%) of the electrical generation from non-hydro
renewables. Conventional hydropower contributed an additional 6.81% of
net U.S. electrical generation in 2012 but this represented a drop of
14.3% compared to 2011. Also declining were coal by 13.6% and nuclear
power by 2.5%. Among the non-renewable energy sources, only natural gas
has grown - by 23.6% - and accounted for 30.82% of net electrical
generation in 2012.
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