US can triple renewables' share of energy mix by 2030, IRENA

14.01.2015: The US can increase the use of renewable energy in its energy mix from 7.5% in 2010 to 27% by 2030, according to a new report prepared by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The report, entitled »Renewable Energy Prospects: United States of America,« also states that the US can increase its use of renewable energy in power generation from 14% to almost 50% by 2030, making it the world’s second largest renewable energy user after China. The US must make substantial changes to its energy policy to achieve these goals, however. With current policies in place, the share of renewable energy in the US energy mix will only reach 10% by 2030. IRENA’s renewable energy roadmap, REmap 2030, which provides a plan to double the share of renewable energy in the world’s energy mix by 2030, estimates that an annual investment of $86 billion between now and 2030 is required to reach the 27% renewables mark – an increase of 38 billion annually beyond a business-as-usual scenario. But, the higher renewable share will result in an annual savings of $30 billion to 140 billion by 2030 when accounting for factors like human health and reduced emissions. »REmap 2030 shows that the US could install significantly higher amounts of renewables – and that it can do so affordably,« said Adnan Amin, director-general of IRENA. »Even in a country with cheap shale gas like the US, renewable energy is still cost competitive and reduces air pollution, enhances energy security, benefits the economy, and plays a leading role in fighting climate change.« © PHOTON