Southern US Environmental Success Stories: Renwables in the South
Southern U.S. States Inch Towards Renewable Energy: For example, Georgia Power recently announced a proposal to provide 210 megawatts of solar power, which they will likely purchase from other sources, by 2015. This is on top of an additional 50 megawatts of solar energy they announced in June 2011. If approved, this will mean that altogether, solar power will make up one percent of Georgia’s total energy portfolio. Meanwhile, Alabama Power just announced that it is making a considerable investment in wind energy. It will purchase 404 megawatts of electricity generated at wind farms in Kansas and Oklahoma, one of which will be completed this year and another that is expected to come on line in 2014. Georgia Power uses other types of renewable energy in its total energy mix, including hydroelectric, biomass, and landfill gas. “We’re always looking for better, environmentally friendly ways that we can provide energy to meet demand for our customers that also makes economic sense,” Michael Sznajderman, a spokesperson for Alabama Power, told IPS. Alabama is the only state in the U.S. South to stand among the top 10 states in the country in terms of annual production of renewable energy, according to a recent report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Mostly, Alabama’s high ranking is due to its use of hydroelectric power, which makes up seven to 10 percent of Alabama Power’s energy mix; and some biomass. Renewables Snapshot by Leading States: -The U.S. state that produces the most renewable energy each year is Washington with 74.9 GW. -California has the second greatest with 58.8 GW. -Oregon has the third greatest with 35.3 GW, followed by Texas, New York, Alabama, Iowa, Montana, Idaho and Arizona. Mostly, Alabama’s high ranking is due to its use of hydroelectric power, which makes up seven to 10 percent of Alabama Power’s energy mix; and some biomass.
Walter Garcia, "Southern U.S. States Inch Towards Renewable Energy", Inter Press Service, October 29 2012 http://www.ipsnews.net/2012/10/southern-u-s-states-inch-towards-renewabl...