CH-12-C008 -- Status of Renewable Energy Systems in the United States PDF

There is a clear move towards more sustainable energy use for both the electric grid and buildings in the United States. U.S. energy use is projected to rise at more than 1 quad per year. Without profound change, the greatest increases would come from nonrenewable sources such as petroleum and coal. In order to ensure economic competitiveness and national security, the U.S. realizes that these trends must be redirected.

This movement includes substantial improvement in building energy efficiency and the integration of renewable energy sources into the existing utility grids. Both state and federal policies play important roles in achieving these aggressive goals. United States policies and regulations that impact building energy efficiency, carbon reduction and utility company renewable portfolio standards are explored. Proposed regulations and research that will be moving the U.S. building industry towards NZE buildings are reviewed.

Trends in U.S. renewable energy supplies are shown.