2009 Article on Power Sources in the US

· by · in Energy. ·

Source: NPR’s website, 24 April 2009

Link: Visualizing the US Electric Grid

Summary: Though dated, this is a very thorough presentation of the electric grid in the United States with a breakdown for each state of the sources of their electric power (coal, nuclear, hydro, etc.) as well as the geography of wind and solar distribution across the country. It also shows the location and capacity of power plants.

Statistics:

  • The state of California derives its electric power from 47% gas, 20% hydro, 18% nuclear, 7% geothermal, 3% biomass, 2% wind, 1% oil, and less than 1% each coal, solar, and other (again, in 2009).
  • The state of West Virginia gets its electric power from 98% coal, 2% hydro, and less than 1% all others.
  • The best locations for solar power at 260 kWh/sq. ft/ year are in the Southwest.
  • The locations with highest wind speeds for wind power are mainly off the coasts, as well as along the Great Lakes, with speeds over 20 mph.

npr-power-hungry-visualizing-the-us-electric-grid-3

Leave a comment