With concerns mounting about the human influence on climate change, the importance of clean energy to the economy continues to grow. According to a poll by Pew Research, two-thirds of American adults say the U.S. should prioritize developing alternative energy sources, suggesting that the acceleration toward clean energy is sustainable.

Given rising geopolitical tensions, a critical element in favor of clean energy is that it provides a pathway toward energy independence. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine exposed Europe’s economy to a shock due to its dependence on Russian natural gas and highlighted the urgency to develop alternative energy sources. China is a major importer of traditional energy, and clean energy is an important part of its goal of energy independence. While shale drilling has enabled U.S. energy independence, shale hydrocarbons are a depleting asset, and clean energy will play a critical role in maintaining future U.S. energy independence.

Clean Energy Defined

Clean energy is produced through methods that do not release greenhouse gases or other pollutants. It is often referred to as renewable energy since many forms of clean energy are renewable, including solar, wind, water, geothermal, and bioenergy.

Nuclear power is an important clean energy source since it does not emit carbon dioxide (CO2) and is well suited for the base-load generation needed due to the cyclical nature of solar and wind power generation. Consequently, we see nuclear power playing a key role in reducing greenhouse gases.

Major Sources & Uses of Energy

Energy is at the heart of economic activity, and understanding the major sources of energy demand and supply is critical for understanding the economic impact of reducing carbon emissions.

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