What is the Best Renewable Energy Source?

Abstract

As the global supply of fossil fuels becomes more and more limited and the urgency to address climate change becomes more critical, renewable energy sources like wind energy, solar energy, biomass, geothermal and hydropower become important alternatives. In this paper, we will be discussing the current use and future potential of these energy sources in the United States. Despite renewables contributing only 20% of the nation's electricity in 2022, their role is expanding, with solar and wind energy expected to see substantial growth by 2025. Each energy source offers distinct benefits: wind energy provides substantial electricity with minimal operational costs, hydropower ensures reliable and emission-free power, solar energy promises significant reductions in greenhouse gasses and improves air quality, biomass supports local economies and waste reduction, and geothermal energy offers a stable and low-emission power source. However, these sources also face challenges, including land use conflicts, high initial costs, environmental impacts, and technological limitations. By examining these factors, the paper aims to assess which renewable energy source holds the most promise for a sustainable energy future and how best to integrate and optimize these resources to achieve long-term environmental and economic goals.