As part of DOE's "SunShot" initiative, the agency has
announced that it is investing up to $20.3 million in projects
to strengthen the U.S. solar manufacturing industry, improve
manufacturing efficiencies, and reduce costs. DOE has also
awarded $7 million in photovoltaic incubator program
funding.
In 2007, about 58% of the petroleum consumed in the U.S. was imported from foreign countries--primarily Canada, Saudia Arabia, Venezuela, Mexico and Nigeria. (Source: EIA)
Fossil fuels provide more than 85% of all the energy consumed in the US, nearly two-thirds of our electricity, and virtually all of our transportation fuels. (Source: DOE)
In 2007, renewable sources of energy accounted for about 7% of total U.S. energy consumption and 9.4% of electricity generation. (Source: EIA)
The United States makes up 5% of the world's population and accounts for 25% of total energy use.
Today’s challenges of reducing greenhouse gas emissions while meeting the country’s steadily rising demand for electricity make it essential for legislatures and public utility commissions to shift their focus toward mechanisms that make demand reduction as profitable for utilities as increasing supply. (Source: Institute for 21st Century Energy)
