Natural Resources, Renewable Energy Sources, GHG-emission and Demographic Profiles in United States: A Broad Analysis for Developing Sustainable Low-Carbon Energy Sector

摘要

Renewable energy production is a priority policy agenda in US. The natural and renewable energy resource availability, energy use trends and demographic profiles are all critical components for correctly gearing the proper and sustainable development of this sector. Co-assessment of the natural and renewable energy resources in US is a must for renewable energy industry growth without dramatic environmental detrimental effects. For analyzing the natural and renewable energy resources and its developmental potential, this concept paper divides US into seven different regions (R-1: Northeast; R-2: Southeast; R-3: Midwest; R-4: Southcentral; R-5: Northwest; R-6: Southwest; R-7: Alaska & Hawaii). Based on parameters such as land availability, water resource availability, demographic patterns, and renewable energy sources, natural resource index (NRI), renewable energy index (REI) and development potential index (DPI) were defined and calculated for these various regions. Our analysis showed that R-6 had high NRI (6) and REI (14). Therefore it had the highest DPI (20). There were also marked differences in various regions with respect to energy use and GHG-emissions. The R-3, R-4 and R-5 regions had high-energy use and GHG-emissions. In light of these broader trends, the implications and the need for regional prioritization, resource coupling, investment allocation, and future policy directions for optimal and sustainable renewable energy production were discussed.