Fossil fuels still dominant US energy source, but renewables gaining
2024.12.01 04:00
Investing.com — Fossil fuels remain the predominant energy source in the United States, but the landscape is evolving as renewable energy sources steadily gain traction.
Analysts at Wells Fargo (NYSE:) observe that despite the growing deployment of wind, solar, and other non-fossil fuel energy options, the U.S. energy system remains heavily reliant on coal, , and petroleum.
However, the momentum toward renewables, while gradual, is unmistakable. One key factor explaining the resilience of fossil fuels is their energy density, convenience of transport, and established infrastructure.
These attributes have entrenched their dominance in a growing economy that continuously demands more energy.
As Wells Fargo analysts note, displacing fossil fuels effectively requires renewables to not only replace current fossil fuel consumption but also to meet the additional energy needs driven by economic and population growth.
This transition is further complicated by renewable energy’s inherent challenges, such as variability in production and storage limitations. These technical barriers, combined with economic realities, mean that the shift to cleaner energy will unfold over decades rather than years.
Wells Fargo also highlights broader societal dynamics that tether energy consumption to quality of life improvements. Data they analyzed suggest a historical correlation between rising energy use and increased life expectancy worldwide.
This association underscores the difficulty of advocating for energy consumption reductions as a standalone climate solution, given its potential impact on living standards.
While the path to a green energy future is long and fraught with challenges, the trend is clear. Renewables are expanding their share in the energy mix, driven by technological innovation, policy support, and public awareness.
Wells Fargo analysts project that this growth will continue, albeit incrementally, in the face of entrenched reliance on fossil fuels. The coming decades will be pivotal in determining the pace and scope of this transition.
