In the long term, America’s insatiable thirst for energy must be quenched primarily through renewable sources. Today, renewable energy accounts for only 8 percent of our total energy use.
Our quest for renewable energy will return us to humanity’s early experiences with energy, but enhanced by technological advancements. Wind power to propel sailing vessels dates back more than 5,000 years. In 1600 BC, Babylon planned a windmill-powered irrigation system. Water wheels were employed by the ancient Greeks to operate various mechanisms. Even pre-humans recognized the value of geothermal pools for bathing, while later Romans harnessed geothermal energy for public baths. Looking forward, a wide array of clean and renewable energy sources hold the promise of long-term exploitation — once the technologies and production costs make them viable.
Renewable energy is often mistakenly equated with “green” energy. But the distinction is critical. More than half of our current renewable energy comes from burning combustibles — wood, other biofuels and biomass wastes. Ultimately, combustible fuels are not optimal for emissions-free energy production.
Hydropower produces another third of our present renewable energy. Environmentally clean, hydropower is not without negative impacts. Hydroelectric projects typically involve submersion of vast tracts of land, forced population relocation, destruction of agrarian
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