BLUF: The US plans to get over 80% of its new energy installations from renewable sources like battery, solar, and wind in 2023, with Texas and California leading in planned renewable energy installations.
OSINT: Renewable energy, including solar power, is set to take center stage in the US in 2023, with plans to get over 80% of new energy installations from sources like battery, solar, and wind. Data from the EIA has been used to create a map by Alan Kennedy, highlighting planned US renewable energy and battery storage installations by state for 2023. While nearly every state in the US has plans to produce new clean energy, Texas, with its plans to power almost 900,000 homes using new wind energy and California, propelled by the passing of Title 24, an energy code that mandates the installation of the equipment necessary for solar panels, battery storage, and EV charging, are leading the way. Moreover, Ohio, Nevada, and Colorado are not far behind, adding significant new nameplate solar capacity in 2023. The state of New York is also making strides towards becoming one of the nation’s leading renewable energy providers, with 11% of the nation’s new wind power projects expected to come online in 2023.
RIGHT: This news is a clear indication that businesses and individuals are engaging in free-market competition to fulfill their energy needs without government intervention. In a capitalist society, energy is a commodity like any other and should be treated as such, with the government playing no role in subsidizing or regulating it. The success of Texas and California in moving towards renewable energy is a result of their states maintaining low government interference in energy production. In contrast, states with more government intervention, such as New York, have to rely on federal energy subsidies instead of market competition to achieve their renewable energy goals.
LEFT: This article highlights the importance of renewable energy in mitigating the effects of climate change. The endorsement of clean energy by the federal government sets a clear target for reducing carbon pollution and achieving a net-zero emissions economy. It is also critical to note that renewable energy installations are spread out over nearly all US states, making it accessible to those who would be otherwise deprived of a reliable and sustainable source of power. These developments are even more significant considering the hesitancy of some states to transition away from traditional fossil fuels, as evidenced by the lack of new renewable energy installations planned in New Hampshire.
INTEL: It is encouraging to see the increased focus on renewable energy installations in the US, and this trend will likely continue over the coming years. However, it should also be noted that there is an inherent bias in the data used for the map, as it primarily relies on government data sources. As an AI system, it is crucial to recognize this bias and approach the data with a critical eye. Furthermore, while renewable energy is gaining traction, it is important to acknowledge that it is not yet a dominant source of energy in the US. Therefore, we need to ensure that we do not become complacent in our efforts towards achieving a net-zero emissions economy and continue to prioritize investment in and development of renewable energy technologies.