Energy Cost and Use Summary

• U.S. Energy Mix:
  • Renewables: ~20-25% of electricity
  • Non-Renewables: ~60-70% of electricity (mostly natural gas, coal, oil)
  • Nuclear Power: ~15-20% of electricity
    • nuclear cons: risk chernobyl + nuclear waste. pros: very effective, very climate-friendly
• Cost Comparison:
  • Renewables: Falling costs; now cheaper or competitive with fossil fuels depending on area
  • Non-Renewables: Rising costs; coal and oil more expensive, natural gas variable
• Reasons Fossil Fuels Remain Prominent:
  • Infrastructure: Existing investments; costly transition
  • Economic and Political Factors: Fossil fuel lobby; subsidies
  • Energy Storage and Grid Reliability: Intermittency of renewables; need for storage and grid upgrades
  • Regional Differences: Varies by location; effectiveness of renewables
• Key Points:
  • Transition Challenges: Infrastructure limits; economic and political hurdles
  • Technological Progress: Renewables cheaper due to advancements