National Renewable Energy Lab Looks at Proposed U.S. Electricity Standards

The United States have already started down the path of Renewable Portfolio Standards.

There are now almost 30 states with their own RPSes, which require utilities to generate more of their power from renewable sources, like wind and solar and even landfill gas. Different states have set different standards, often with percentages based on years: 15 percent by 2015, for instance. It’s more catchy that way.

Now Congress is discussing a national RPS, which would set minimum standards for all states. RPSes, also known as Renewable Electricity Standards, can drive investment in renewable technologies. They can pave the way for new investment in turbines and panels, and associated jobs that come with the pay out. Sure, renewables may cost more for now, but you probably remember that economies of scale thing from high school.

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The National Renewable Energy Laboratory looks at three proposed standards in a new 30-page report (.pdf). They’re the master plans — from Senator Jeff Bingaman and Representative Edward Markey, and jointly by representatives Henry Waxman and Markey — that have risen to the top for now, being discussed in U.S. House and Senate committees.

The bottom line: The report doesn’t really choose a “best plan.” But Markey seems to get the best marks for a 25% by 2025 RES target with no energy efficiency substitutions allowed.

“The Markey RES legislation requires significantly greater renewable power deployment and the construction of new transmission infrastructure in a timely manner,” it says on pdf page 22.

Browse the report, and tell me what you think. Which of these plans is best for America? Or is there a fourth plan that was left out?

Image Credit: Divwerf via flickr under Creative Commons License

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