Conservation and Agriculture / Conservat...

 

Balancing Conservation and Agriculture / Conservation Reserve Program

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP): Balancing Benefits and Challenges in Preservation and Production

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), launched in 1985 under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is one of the most significant initiatives for conserving natural resources in the United States. Designed to encourage farmers to retire environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production, the CRP aims to protect soil, water, and biodiversity while stabilizing the agricultural market. With approximately 25 million acres of land enrolled in the program as of 2025, the CRP has a profound impact on both agriculture and the environment. However, despite its numerous benefits, the program faces criticism for its potential negative effects on food supply and economic costs. This essay explores the advantages and disadvantages of the CRP, discussing its role in shaping a sustainable future.

Benefits of the Conservation Reserve Program

1. Environmental Protection and Resource Conservation

The CRP has achieved remarkable environmental successes. By removing erosion-prone land from production, the program has reduced soil erosion by approximately 200 million tons annually, according to USDA data. This not only preserves soil fertility for future generations but also reduces water pollution from agricultural runoff containing sediments and chemicals. For instance, buffer zones along rivers, funded through the CRP, filter nitrogen and phosphorus, improving water quality. Additionally, the program promotes the planting of native grasses and trees, creating habitats for wildlife, including endangered species such as certain birds and pollinators. These ecological benefits indirectly support agriculture, as pollinators and natural pest control enhance yields on nearby fields.

2. Contribution to Climate Goals

In the context of climate change, the CRP plays an increasingly vital role. Land enrolled in the program often serves as a carbon sink, with cover crops and trees sequestering carbon in the soil. Studies estimate that CRP land can sequester millions of tons of CO2 annually, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, the program supports practices like wetland restoration, which not only store carbon but also mitigate flooding—a growing concern in an era of extreme weather events.

3. Stabilization of the Agricultural Market

The CRP helps prevent overproduction of crops, which can lead to price crashes and financial hardship for farmers. By reducing the amount of arable land, the program balances supply and demand, stabilizing prices for crops like corn, wheat, and soybeans. Furthermore, the CRP provides farmers with an alternative income source through annual rental payments, ranging from $50 to $200 per acre. This is particularly valuable for small farmers or those working less productive land, as income diversification reduces their reliance on volatile markets.

4. Long-Term Food Security

While it may seem counterintuitive, the CRP contributes to long-term food security. By preserving soil fertility and preventing land degradation, the program ensures that agricultural land remains productive for future generations. Without such measures, erosion and soil depletion could significantly diminish global food production capacity.

Drawbacks of the Conservation Reserve Program

1. Potential Impact on Food Supply

One of the primary criticisms of the CRP is that retiring land from production can reduce food supply, potentially driving up prices. Although the CRP covers less than 10% of U.S. agricultural land, during global crises—such as droughts, wars, or supply chain disruptions (e.g., the Ukraine conflict in 2022–2023)—even small production losses can exacerbate shortages. For example, during the food price spike of 2007–2008, critics argued that the CRP limited available land for crop cultivation, though larger factors included rising energy costs and biofuel demand. USDA studies estimate that the CRP may increase prices for certain crops by 1–5% under specific conditions, impacting consumers, particularly in countries reliant on U.S. exports.

2. High Costs and Questions of Cost-Effectiveness

The CRP is an expensive program, with annual costs reaching several billion dollars for rental payments and incentives. Critics argue that these resources may not yield proportional benefits, especially when lower-value land with limited environmental impact is enrolled. For instance, some CRP land has minimal erosion risk or habitat potential, reducing the program’s overall effectiveness. Additionally, during periods of high crop prices, farmers are less motivated to participate, which can lead to declining enrollment and challenges in meeting environmental goals.

3. Regional Disparities

The impact of the CRP varies by region. In areas with high enrollment, such as parts of the Great Plains, local agricultural production can be significantly reduced, affecting regional economies and supply  chains. Moreover, the program may disproportionately benefit larger landowners who have more land to enroll, while smaller farmers may lack sufficient acreage to participate, exacerbating economic inequalities.

4. Conflict with Short-Term Needs

During times of heightened global food demand, the CRP can be perceived as a barrier. When crop prices rise, farmers face a dilemma: remain in the program and honor long-term contracts or return to production to capitalize on high prices. This creates tension between short-term economic opportunities and long-term environmental goals. Additionally, exiting the CRP can be complex and costly, limiting farmers’ flexibility.

Striking a Balance

The Conservation Reserve Program embodies a complex balance between environmental conservation and agricultural productivity. Its benefits—protecting soil, improving water quality, supporting biodiversity, and contributing to climate goals—make it a critical tool for sustainable agriculture. At the same time, potential drawbacks, such as reduced food supply, high costs, and regional disparities, necessitate careful management and adaptation of the program.

To maximize the CRP’s benefits, future reforms could include a greater focus on targeting high-value environmental areas, more flexible contracts to allow quicker return to production during crises, and additional incentives for small farmers. Furthermore, integrating the CRP with other climate initiatives, such as carbon markets, could enhance its cost-effectiveness and appeal.

Ultimately, the CRP remains a powerful example of how agriculture and environmental conservation can align. While not perfect, its contributions to long-term food security and ecosystem health outweigh most of its shortcomings, provided the program continues to adapt to evolving global needs. In a world grappling with climate change and growing food demand, the CRP demonstrates that balancing present and future priorities is possible—if managed wisely.

 If you want me to dig into a specific document or aspect, let me know, Zeljko Serdar, Croatian Center of Renewable Energy Sources.

U Republici Hrvatskoj ne postoji program koji je u potpunosti ekvivalentan američkom Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), koji nudi godišnje najamnine poljoprivrednicima za uklanjanje ekološki osjetljivih površina iz poljoprivredne proizvodnje i sadnju vrsta koje poboljšavaju okoliš. Međutim, postoje slični mehanizmi unutar Zajedničke poljoprivredne politike (ZPP) Europske unije, posebice kroz Program ruralnog razvoja Republike Hrvatske 2014.–2020. i Strateški plan ZPP 2023.–2027., koji uključuju mjere za zaštitu okoliša i održivo upravljanje poljoprivrednim zemljištem. Sličnosti s CRP-om: Program ruralnog razvoja 2014.–2020.: Financiran iz Europskog fonda za ruralni razvoj, ovaj program uključuje mjere za poticanje održivog upravljanja prirodnim resursima i prilagodbu klimatskim promjenama. Primjer su agri-ekološke mjere (npr. Mjera 10: Agrosustavi i klima) koje potiču poljoprivrednike na usvajanje praksi za očuvanje bioraznolikosti, smanjenje erozije tla i poboljšanje kvalitete vode, slično ciljevima CRP-a. Poljoprivrednici mogu dobiti plaćanja za provedbu ekološki prihvatljivih praksi, poput smanjenja intenziteta obrade zemljišta ili očuvanja travnjaka. Strateški plan ZPP 2023.–2027.: Ovaj plan, kojim se upravlja putem Uprave za potpore poljoprivredi i ruralnom razvoju, uključuje ekološke sheme i intervencije za zaštitu okoliša, poput potpora za očuvanje bioraznolikosti i upravljanje osjetljivim područjima (npr. Natura 2000 područja). Slično CRP-u, ove mjere mogu uključivati plaćanja za ograničavanje poljoprivredne proizvodnje na određenim površinama radi zaštite okoliša. Strategija i akcijski plan zaštite prirode 2017.–2025.: Ovaj dokument, usvojen od strane Hrvatskog sabora, usmjeren je na očuvanje bioraznolikosti i uključuje mjere za zaštitu prirodnih staništa, što može uključivati poljoprivredna zemljišta. Iako nije izravno povezan s plaćanjima poljoprivrednicima, doprinosi sličnim ciljevima kao CRP, poput očuvanja staništa i smanjenja pritiska na prirodu. Ključne razlike: Struktura plaćanja: Dok CRP nudi dugoročne ugovore (10–15 godina) s godišnjim najamninama, hrvatski programi češće pružaju potpore po hektaru ili jednokratne isplate za specifične ekološke mjere, bez obveze dugoročnog izuzimanja zemljišta iz proizvodnje. Fokus: Hrvatski programi su šire usmjereni na održivu poljoprivredu i ruralni razvoj, dok je CRP specifično usmjeren na uklanjanje osjetljivih površina iz proizvodnje. Financiranje: Hrvatski programi ovise o EU fondovima, dok je CRP financiran izravno od USDA-e. Zaključak: Iako Hrvatska nema točnu kopiju CRP-a, Program ruralnog razvoja i Strateški plan ZPP nude slične mjere za zaštitu okoliša i bioraznolikosti putem potpora poljoprivrednicima. Za detaljnije informacije o dostupnim mjerama, poljoprivrednici se mogu obratiti Upravi za potpore poljoprivredi i ruralnom razvoju ili provjeriti aktualne natječaje na stranicama Ministarstva poljoprivrede (ruralnirazvoj.hr).

Mastering Chaos / Stay Clear Minded!

Mastering chaos can be challenging, but with the right techniques, you can achieve clarity even when life feels overwhelming.

In this engaging 5-minute animated film, we’ll share essential tips on how to stay clear-minded amid chaos. Discover the transformative power of deep breathing to regain your composure, learn to focus on your goals without getting sidetracked, and understand the importance of taking breaks to recharge. This valuable advice will guide you in maintaining productivity while navigating the demands of your busy life. 

Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below! If you find this video helpful, please like and share it with others who might benefit. 

Have you ever felt like you were trying to accomplish so much that your constant multitasking turned into chaos? This is a common problem for people with a lot to do. The best way to combat this overwhelming feeling is to clear your mind so that you are able to focus on achieving your objectives. The following list will help you break through the chaos and bring order to your professional life.

1)

Stop whatever you’re doing, and take a deep breath until you regain composure. This very important action is the first step to relieving that feeling of chaos and is vital to your productivity. Deep breathing affects the nervous system, which in turn relieves feelings of stress and anxiety.Just five to ten seconds of deep breathing, especially while visualizing the source of the stress leaving your body, will allow you to concentrate on the task at hand. In addition to deep breathing, you could even incorporate a soothing phrase or mantra that will signal your mind to calm down and regroup. Your physical body must first be relaxed in order to be productive.

2)

Focus on the goal and don’t become overly detailed. Once you have taken some deep breaths, it’s time to remind yourself what the goal is. What is your overall objective? By keeping the goal in mind, you will be better able to sort through all the details without getting buried in or sidetracked by minute tasks. For example, say your goal is to touch base with a list of clients by making follow-up phone calls. While pulling up your contact list, you notice that you haven’t synced your list on your computer with the one on your smartphone in a while, so you take a detour to complete that task. While that is happening, you also notice that you have some contacts on that list you no longer need, so you begin to update and organize your digital rolodex. All of these other tasks, though they may need completing at some point, are not helping accomplish your overall goal, which is to follow up with your clients via telephone. Keep the goal at the forefront of your mind, and only complete tasks that directly contribute to the completion of that goal.

3)

Take a break and be social. Socializing is a great relaxer and puts you in a positive mindset. It is okay to take a break when you’ve been focused for a long period of time and feel you need to step away for a bit to refresh your body and mind. Text a friend about a lunch date, check in with your spouse about how his or her day is going, or even browse your social networks for five minutes. By taking your mind off the task for a short period of time, you actually can increase your productivity by preventing burnout and excessive stress. Be responsible with your downtime, but don’t be afraid to use it.

Clearing your mind is of utmost importance in the long-term journey of accomplishing your business goals. Remember to take deep breaths, don’t sweat the details, and allow yourself some social interaction. This mix of caring for both your physical and mental needs is crucial to your ability to deal with any level of chaos.

What do you think of our list? Have you tried any of these things? Please share your comments below!

Permaculture / Cultivating Sustainability

Permaculture is a holistic design philosophy that integrates land, resources, people, and the environment in a sustainable and regenerative way. It aims to create self-sufficient agricultural systems modeled on natural ecosystems. 

Here are some key principles of permaculture:

Observe and Interact - By observing natural patterns and interactions, we can design sustainable systems.

Catch and Store Energy - This involves capturing and storing resources when they are abundant for use in times of need.

Obtain a Yield - Ensure that you are getting useful rewards as part of your work.

Apply Self-Regulation and Accept Feedback - We need to discourage inappropriate activity to ensure that systems can continue to function well.

Use and Value Renewable Resources and Services - Make the best use of nature's abundance to reduce our consumptive behavior and dependence on non-renewable resources.

Produce No Waste - By valuing and making use of all the resources available, we minimize waste.

Design from Patterns to Details - Observing patterns in nature and society provides insights for designing efficient systems.

Integrate Rather Than Segregate - By putting the right things in the right place, relationships develop between those things and they support each other.

Use Small and Slow Solutions - Small and slow systems are easier to maintain than big ones, making better use of local resources and producing more sustainable outcomes.

Use and Value Diversity - Diversity reduces vulnerability to a variety of threats and takes advantage of the unique nature of the environment.

Use Edges and Value the Marginal - The most interesting events often occur at the edges, where different environments meet. The interface between things is where the most valuable, diverse, and productive elements often exist.

Creatively Use and Respond to Change - We can have a positive impact on inevitable change by carefully observing and then intervening at the right time.

The Soothing World of ASMR / An Introduction

ASMR, or Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, is a phenomenon where individuals experience a tingling sensation that typically starts on the scalp and can move down the neck and spine in response to specific auditory, visual, or tactile stimuli. 

Here's an in-depth look:

What is ASMR?

Sensation: Described as a pleasant, calming, tingling feeling, often likened to a "brain massage."

Triggers: These are the stimuli that can induce ASMR. Common triggers include:

Whispering: Soft spoken or whispering voices.

Tapping: Sounds like tapping fingernails on different surfaces.

Scratching: The sound of scratching materials like paper, wood, or fabric.

Role-play: Scenarios where the viewer is in a relaxing or comforting situation (e.g., personal attention like haircuts or medical check-ups).

Crinkling: Sounds from items like plastic bags or foil.

Mouth Sounds: Eating, chewing, or even the sound of speaking close to a microphone.

Psychological and Physiological Effects:

Relaxation: Many use ASMR videos to relax, fall asleep, or manage stress and anxiety.

Neurological Basis: While not fully understood, ASMR might involve the release of endorphins or oxytocin, which are associated with pleasure and bonding. Some research suggests connections to mirror neurons or synesthesia-like responses.

Individual Variation: Not everyone experiences ASMR, and triggers can be highly personal. Some find visual cues as potent as auditory ones.

Cultural Impact:

YouTube Phenomenon: ASMR has exploded in popularity on YouTube, with millions of subscribers to ASMR channels. This has created a new genre of content, with creators dedicating their channels to various ASMR triggers.

Community and Creativity: The ASMR community is active, with fans sharing their experiences, favorite triggers, and even creating their own content. This has led to a rich diversity in ASMR content types.

Scientific Research:

Emerging Field: ASMR is relatively new to scientific study, so there's much to learn. Researchers are looking into its effects on mental health, sleep, and even pain management.

Challenges: Studying ASMR is complex due to its subjective nature and the variability in what triggers it for different people.

Applications:

Therapeutic Potential: There's interest in using ASMR for therapeutic purposes, such as in relaxation therapy, although more research is needed to validate these applications.

Marketing and Advertising: Some companies explore ASMR in advertising to create a memorable or calming consumer experience.

Criticism and Controversy:

Skepticism: Some skepticism exists regarding the legitimacy of ASMR as a distinct sensory experience rather than just relaxation from soothing sounds or visuals.

Content Concerns: There have been discussions about the nature of some ASMR content, particularly in terms of appropriateness or the potential for misinterpretation.

Future Directions:

Research: As interest grows, more scientific studies will likely explore ASMR's mechanisms and applications.

Technology: Advances in audio technology, like 3D audio or VR, might enhance the ASMR experience, making it even more immersive.

ASMR remains a fascinating area of human experience, blending sensory science with personal relaxation in ways that continue to intrigue both researchers and enthusiasts alike.

Zeljko Serdar, Croatian Center of Renewable Energy Sources

What Are Chestnuts (Castanea sativa)?

 

What Are Chestnuts (Castanea sativa)?

Pitomi kesten (Castanea sativa Mill.) važna je, široko rasprostranjena, višestruko korisna vrsta drveća u mediteranskom području, od koje se koriste drvo, plodovi, med i tanin. Rak kestenove kore, uzrokovan introducirnom gljivom Cryphonectria parasitica, ugrožava opstanak sastojina pitomog kestena. Glavni cilj ovoga projekta je utvrditi:

(1) neutralnu i adaptivnu raznolikost u prirodnim populacijama pitomog kestena u Hrvatskoj iz okolišno različitih staništa;
(2) povezanost genetičke strukture, morfološke raznolikosti, kemijske raznolikosti i okolišnih razlika (klimatskih i pedoloških) u prirodnim populacijama i kultivarima pitomog kestena;
(3) kvalitetu sjemena i zahtjeve za klijanje sjemena pitomog kestena;
(4) genetičku osnovu raznolikosti za adaptivna svojstva na sadnicama uzgojenima u stakleniku i u recipročno-transpantacijskim pokusima;
(5) epigenetičke odgovore na sušni stres;
(6) tolerantnost selekcioniranih genotipova na patogene;
(7) otpornost na patogene sadnica uzgojenih u rasadniku;
(8) povezanost između populacijsko-genetičkog pristupa i pokusa u stakleniku kao i recipročno-transplantacijskih pokusa;
(9) nastavak dugoročnog praćenja populacija C. parasitica;
(10) neutralnu i adaptivnu raznolikost hrvatskih kultivara pitomog kestena;
(11) razlike između hrvatskih kultivara pitomog kestena u morfologiji listova i plodova te kemijskom sastavu plodova;
(12) razgraničenje sjemenskih zona i izrada smjernica za prijenos sjemena za hrvatske populacije pitomog kestena.

Osim doprinosa osnovnim znanstvenim spoznajama o biologiji i ekološkim odnosima pitomog kestena, rezultati ovoga projekta doprinijet će održivom gospodarenju sastojinama pitomog kestena u Hrvatskoj. Rezultati će direktno doprinijeti zaštiti geografskog porijekla maruna, autohtonih hrvatskih kultivara pitomog kestena. Također će biti selekcionirani genotipovi tolerantni na sušni stres kao i oni s većom tolerancijom na biotski stres, odnosno infekciju gljivom Cryphonectria parasitica.

https://youtu.be/5xbyThtOcLM?si=ylt8WIBPfvF0FNTk

What Are Chestnuts (Castanea sativa)? Chestnuts are the edible fruit of a deciduous tree that grows throughout the world. They can be eaten raw or cooked, with a mild flavor that makes them versatile for both sweet and savory dishes. We want to know where there are healthy and unhealthy sweet chestnuts across Croatia to understand how far sweet chestnut blight and oriental chestnut gall wasps have spread since they were first reported. The information you provide will help us to produce an up-to-date map of healthy and unhealthy sweet chestnut trees and tell us whether our actions to control the spread of blight and gall wasps are working. Chestnuts vs. Water Chestnuts Some people wonder about the difference between chestnuts and water chestnuts, and they are completely different things. Unlike sweet chestnuts, which are the fruit of a tree, water chestnuts are part of the root structure of a grass-like plant, Eleocharis dulcis, that grows underwater in marshes. They're edible and popular in Chinese cuisine but can't be substituted for sweet chestnuts. Chestnuts vs. Horse Chestnuts There's also frequent confusion about the difference between sweet chestnuts and horse chestnuts. Horse chestnuts are the fruit of a different tree, Aesculus hippocastanum, sometimes called the horse chestnut or buckeye tree. These nuts are toxic. This isn't an issue if you purchase your chestnuts since horse chestnuts aren't cultivated or sold as food. But if you're foraging, note that horse chestnut husks are shiny and spiny, whereas sweet chestnuts grow in a husk that is covered in what looks like grassy, spiky hair or fur. Long-term prospects Sweet chestnut is native to southern Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. The first written records of them growing in Croatia date to the 12th century, and they have long been naturalized here. Today they can be found commonly throughout Croatia as urban trees, in parks, and in woodland.  Zeljko Serdar, CCRES

The future of energy

 

The future of energy is looking greener. Moving into 2023, drivers for renewable growth are some of the strongest the industry has seen, including competitive costs, supportive policies, and burgeoning demand.

By 2024, almost 33 percent of the world’s electricity is forecast to come from renewables, with solar photovoltaic (PV) accounting for nearly 60 percent (or at least 697 gigawatts) of expected growth, according to Renewables 2019, a report from the International Energy Agency published in November 2019. Onshore wind (309 GW), hydropower (121 GW), offshore wind (43 GW), and bioenergy follow (41 GW).

Drastically lower production costs, growing concern around climate change, evolving global energy policies, and increased pressure from investors on companies to adopt environmental social governance (ESG) policies are pushing renewables into the mainstream.

This year alone, more than 12 large U.S. coal companies had filed for bankruptcy as of October 2019, in a signal of the shifting landscape. In Australia, the National Electricity Market showed that on Nov. 6, renewables reached a milestone—powering 50 percent of the country’s main electricity grid. Rooftop solar provided nearly 24 percent, followed by wind (about 16 percent), large-scale solar (about 9 percent), and hydro (about 2 percent). While renewable energy costs may continue to rise temporarily in 2023 due to ongoing supply chain challenges, wind and solar will likely remain the cheapest energy sources in most areas, as fuel costs for a conventional generation have been rising faster than renewable costs.

Federal clean energy policies. Among other supportive provisions, the IRA extends wind and solar tax credits for projects that begin construction before 2025 and technology-neutral credits through at least 2032. Projections suggest the law will spur 525 to 550 GW of new US utility-scale clean power by 2030.

State clean energy policies. Twenty-two states and the District of Columbia are targeting 100% renewable energy or 100% carbon-free electricity, often through clean and renewable energy mandates and incentives, with target dates between 2040 and 2050.

Utility decarbonization. As of October 2022, 43 of the 45 largest US investor-owned utilities have committed to reducing their carbon emissions, and boosting renewables are one of their key strategies for meeting those commitments.

Corporate renewable procurement. With a record 11 GW of US clean energy installations in 2021, the US is set to exceed that in 2022. More than 380 global businesses have committed to 100% clean electricity by joining the RE100 renewable electricity initiative, up from about 200 in 2019.

In Germany, a Norwegian company is running one of Europe’s largest power generation facilities—and doing it virtually, in an innovative example of how the sector could overcome challenges that arise when there's little wind or sun to generate power. The plant, which according to CNN Business could power 5 million homes, uses a cloud-based artificial intelligence program to link more than

1,500 wind, solar, and hydropower plants across the continent with electricity generation and storage facilities like batteries.

Renewables were the more sustainable—if more expensive—option. By 2023, they will actually make good business sense.

In 2023: The Near Future of Renewables, we present our predictions for how the sector will reimagine itself by capitalizing on this scalable green wave.

 

1. The future of solar is bright - Although slowed slightly by geopolitical tension and trade uncertainty, solar capacity will continue to grow over the next several years—surpassing a terawatt of global solar power generation by 2023. 

2. Storage takes center stage - Storage will take its rightful place as a key grid asset by 2023, helping to increase the reliability and resilience of increasingly decentralized power systems. The adoption of diverse energy storage solutions, including long-duration batteries for utility-scale renewable integration, will grow by at least 30 percent year-over-year leading up to 2023.

3. No headwinds for wind power - Wind power will continue to grow, with increased storage capabilities explicitly developed for on and offshore wind, helping to improve the economics and productivity of such projects. Half of the 2023 global investments in the wind will go towards offshore technology and projects. 

4. The energy convergence continues - Natural resources companies, from mining to oil and gas, will continue to invest in clean or renewable energy technology, including carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration—both to diversify their portfolios and reduce their corporate carbon footprints. By 2023, 20 oil and gas majors will have joined the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative, up from 13.

5. Cleantech investments soar - Following a cycle of disappointing returns, private equity and venture capital will return to the cleantech space in full force. Whether called cleantech or climate tech, the regulatory, economic, and scientific impetus for these technologies will see $600 billion dollars in global private investment by 2023.

Overall, as the industry heads into 2023, increasing demand and enticing, long-term incentives are creating strong stimuli. Of course, the uneven economy right now poses some rough sailing, but the destination is in sight and achievable. Citizens want more solar. Residential solar demand is growing faster than ever, up 35% in H1 2022 year over year, as households react to rising retail electricity prices and weather-driven power outages.

The private sector takes notice. Private investment in renewables hit a record high of $10 billion in the past year. That could continue, as investors are attracted by transparent returns on mature technologies backed by 10-year tax credits with direct payment options.

U.S. power grid

 

In 2022/2023, solar and wind are expected to add more than 60% of the utility-scale generating capacity to the U.S. power grid (46% from solar, 17% from wind). The United States is a resource-rich country with abundant renewable energy resources.

Renewables are on track to generate more power than coal in the United States this year. But the question is whether they can grow fast enough to meet the country’s climate goals.

Supply chain constraints and trade disputes have slowed wind and solar installations, raising questions about the United States' ability to meet the emission reductions sought by the Inflation Reduction Act. The Biden administration is banking on the landmark climate law cutting emissions by 40 percent below 2005 levels by 2030.

Many analysts think the United States will ultimately shake off the slowdown thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act's $369 billion in clean energy investments. But it may take time for the law’s impact to be felt. Tax guidance needs to be finalized before developers begin plunking down money on new facilities, and companies now face headwinds in the form of higher interest rates and the looming threat of a recession.

The Inflation Reduction Act's emission reductions hinge on the country’s ability to at least double the rate of renewable installations over the record levels observed in 2020 and 2021.

Assuming intermediate efficiency, solar photovoltaic (PV) modules covering 0.6% of the U.S. land area could meet national electricity demand. PV module prices have declined to an average of $0.27/watt. The U.S. manufactured 1% of PV cells and 3% of PV modules globally in 2020. In 2021, a new record high of over 23.6 GW of solar photovoltaic capacity was added in the U.S., raising the total installed capacity to over 121 GW. Solar accounted for 46% of the new generating capacity in 2021.

Hydrothermal resources, i.e., steam and hot water, are available primarily in the western U.S., Alaska, and Hawaii, yet geothermal heat pumps can be used almost anywhere to extract heat from the shallow ground, which stays at relatively constant temperatures year-round. Electricity generated from geothermal power plants is projected to increase from 15.9 billion kWh in 2021 to 47.4 billion kWh in 2050. Geothermal electricity generation has the potential to exceed 500 GW, which is half of the current U.S. capacity.

U.S. onshore wind resources have a potential capacity of almost 11,000 GW and a current installed capacity of 132.7 GW. Offshore wind resources are potentially 4,200 GW, the current capacity is 42 MW, and the development pipeline contained over 28 GW of projects in 2019. Over 16 GW of wind capacity was installed in the U.S. in 2020, an 85% increase from 2019. The federal production tax credit (PTC) significantly influences wind development, but cycles of enactment and expiration lead to year-to-year changes in investment. In 2020, the PTC was extended to allow wind projects beginning construction in 2020 or 2021 a PTC at 1.5¢/kWh for 10 years of electricity output. Based on the average U.S. electricity fuel mix, a 1.82 MW wind turbine (U.S. average in 2019) can displace 3,679 metric tons of CO2 emissions per year. By 2050, 404 GW of wind capacity would meet an estimated 35% of U.S. electricity demand and result in 12.3 gigatonnes of avoided CO2 emissions, a 14% reduction when compared to 2013.

In the U.S., net electricity generation from conventional hydropower peaked in 1997 at 356 TWh/yr. Currently, the U.S. gets about 260 TWh/yr of electricity from hydropower. While electricity generated from hydropower is virtually emission-free, significant levels of methane and CO2 may be emitted through the decomposition of vegetation in the reservoir. Other environmental concerns include fish injury and mortality, habitat degradation, and water quality impairment. “Fish-friendly” turbines and smaller dams help mitigate some of these problems.

Wood—mostly as pulp, paper, and paperboard industry waste products—accounts for 43% of total biomass energy consumption. Waste—municipal solid waste, landfill gas, sludge, tires, and agricultural by-products—accounts for an additional 9%. Biomass has low net CO2 emissions compared to fossil fuels. At combustion, it releases CO2 previously removed from the atmosphere. Further emissions are associated with the processing and growth of biomass, which can require large areas of land. Willow biomass requires 121 acres of land to generate one GWh of electricity per year, more land than other renewable sources.

For now, U.S. renewable output is edging higher. Wind and solar output are up 18 percent through Nov. 20 compared to the same time last year and have grown 58 percent compared to 2019, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The government energy tracker predicts that wind, solar and hydro will generate 22 percent of U.S. electricity by the end of this year. That is more than coal at 20 percent and nuclear at 19 percent.

Renewable output also exceeded coal in 2020, though that year saw a decrease in energy generation across the board due to the economic lockdowns associated with the Covid-19 pandemic.

Wind and solar growth have to continue at a blistering pace to meet the United States' climate targets. Researchers at Princeton University estimate the country needs to install about 50 gigawatts of wind and solar annually between 2022 and 2024, or roughly double the 25 GW that the United States installed annually in 2020 and 2021.