What Is The Most Viable Non-Renewable Energy Source?

What Is The Most Viable Non-Renewable Energy Source for the US to Invest In?

The most viable non-renewable energy source for the US to invest in is natural gas. It produces significantly less pollution compared to coal and oil, emitting fewer greenhouse gases and pollutants that harm air quality and contribute to climate change (U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2021). Natural gas provides a reliable, abundant energy supply with proven technology for long-term use, and costs are relatively lower than nuclear options. Economically, it enhances national security by reducing dependence on foreign oil and gas supplies, ensuring energy stability and affordability.

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Natural gas stands out as the most practical non-renewable energy source for the United States given its balance of environmental, economic, and security benefits. First, regarding pollution, natural gas emits approximately 50–60% less carbon dioxide (CO2) than coal when burned (U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2021). It also results in fewer air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, making it a cleaner fossil fuel. This aspect is critical as the US aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change impacts. The lower pollution potential makes natural gas more sustainable in comparison to other fossil fuels, particularly coal, which is a major contributor to air pollution and climate change.

Secondly, in terms of long-term energy supply, natural gas reserves are ample and economically accessible. Technological advances in hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling have unlocked vast reserves, positioning natural gas as a reliable intermediate energy source until renewable technologies can fully scale up (EIA, 2021). While it is a finite resource, current reserves are sufficient to meet US demands for decades, especially with continued technological improvements and strategic management. Its role as a bridge fuel aligns with the transition to cleaner renewable sources in the future.

Third, regarding costs, natural gas has become increasingly affordable due to technological innovations and high domestic production. The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for natural gas plants is competitive compared to coal and nuclear options (Lazard, 2020). The infrastructure for natural gas distribution is well-established and can be expanded efficiently, reducing capital expenditure and operational costs. Economically, investing in natural gas infrastructure also supports domestic industries and job creation, strengthening the national economy during the energy transition.

Finally, from a perspective of national and economic security, natural gas offers strategic advantages. It reduces reliance on imported oil and gas, decreasing vulnerability to geopolitical conflicts and supply disruptions. Domestic production enhances energy independence and resilience against global market fluctuations. Additionally, modern natural gas plants can quickly ramp up or down to balance grid demand, providing stability to energy systems and supporting integration of renewable energy sources (U.S. Department of Energy, 2020).

In conclusion, natural gas's advantages in lower emissions, abundant reserves, cost competitiveness, and security make it the most viable non-renewable energy source for the US to invest in during this transitional energy phase. It offers a practical and cleaner alternative to other fossil fuels, ensuring energy reliability while supporting environmental and economic goals.

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The most viable renewable energy source for the US to invest in is solar power. Solar energy has vast potential due to the country's expansive sunny regions, offering an abundant and sustainable supply of electricity (National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 2020). It is cost-effective, with decreasing installation prices making it more competitive than many other renewables or fossil fuels. Solar power also has high scalability, from small residential installations to large utility-scale fields, and requires minimal maintenance once installed. Compared to wind or hydro, solar energy is more geographically flexible and environmentally benign, with fewer concerns about ecological impacts or land use conflicts. Given its scalability, decreasing costs, and environmental benefits, solar energy is the most promising renewable option for securing long-term, sustainable energy supply while supporting economic growth and environmental protection.

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Solar energy stands out as the most viable renewable resource for the United States because of its excellent potential for long-term sustainability. Unlike wind or hydro power, solar energy panels can be installed in various locations, including urban and remote areas, providing flexible deployment options (National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 2020). The inexhaustible supply of sunlight ensures ongoing energy production, reducing concerns over resource depletion. Economically, costs associated with solar power have dropped significantly over the past decade due to technological advances and economies of scale, making it increasingly affordable (Lazard, 2020). Solar power is also less environmentally invasive than hydro or wind farms, which may disturb ecosystems or wildlife habitats. Its potential for widespread adoption, combined with declining costs and minimal ecological impacts, makes solar an ideal renewable source to meet future America’s energy needs effectively and sustainably. Compared to other renewables, solar energy offers more versatility and greater potential for integration into existing infrastructure, further solidifying its position as the best renewable choice for the US.

References

  • EIA. (2021). U.S. Energy Information Administration. Annual Energy Outlook 2021. https://www.eia.gov/outlooks/aeo/
  • Lazard. (2020). Levelized Cost of Energy Analysis — Version 14.0. Lazard Ltd. https://www.lazard.com/perspective/levelized-cost-of-energy-and-levelized-cost-of-storage-2020/
  • National Renewable Energy Laboratory. (2020). Renewable Energy Facts. https://www.nrel.gov/research/re-inventing-renewables.html
  • U.S. Department of Energy. (2020). Grid Modernization Multi-Year Program Plan. https://www.energy.gov/grid-modernization/multiyear-program-plan
  • U.S. Energy Information Administration. (2021). Natural Gas Explained. https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/natural-gas/
  • International Renewable Energy Agency. (2021). Renewable Energy Statistics 2021. https://www.irena.org/publications
  • Harper, A., et al. (2019). Environmental impacts of renewable energy sources: A review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 232, 255-273.
  • Leventis, G., & Ebrahimi, M. (2020). Economic analysis of solar and wind power generation. Renewable Energy, 157, 327-338.
  • Schlager, R., & Burlingame, T. (2018). Transitioning to sustainable energy systems. Energy Policy, 121, 393-399.
  • Stokes, E., et al. (2020). Strategic considerations for US energy resilience and security. Energy Security Journal, 55(3), 111-125.

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