Alaska's Untapped Energy Treasure: Why the U. S. is Losing Out

Alaska is sitting on a goldmine of renewable energy resources. From strong winds to powerful hydropower and geothermal energy, the state could save over a billion dollars by switching to renewables. This is especially true for remote communities where diesel fuel is the only option. Wind-diesel projects have already shown that local generation can cut costs and emissions.

The Catch: Rolling Back Support for Renewables

But here's the catch: the current administration is rolling back support for renewables. They're phasing down tax credits, making it harder to build wind and solar projects on federal lands, and canceling important projects. This is not only hurting Alaska but also the rest of the U.S. Analysts warn that this could slow down the deployment of renewables and increase costs for consumers in the long run.

Misleading Claims About Renewables

The administration's claims about renewables are also misleading. They say wind turbines kill birds, but studies show that buildings, vehicles, and even cats kill far more birds. They also claim that solar doesn't work at night, but modern solar and wind power are among the lowest-cost and safest forms of energy generation in many regions.

Global Investments in Renewables

Meanwhile, China and Europe are investing heavily in renewables. China is now the world's largest producer of solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles. By rolling back clean-energy incentives, the U.S. risks falling behind in the technology of the future.

The U.S. Potential and the Risk of Falling Behind

The U.S. has the potential to be a leader in renewables. The Southwest deserts and the Midwest plains are among the best renewable resource zones on Earth. But instead of embracing this opportunity, the administration is pushing for a return to coal. This could lock the U.S. into an aging, carbon-heavy system that the market is already leaving behind.

The Turning Tide

The tide is turning towards low-cost, climate-friendly renewable energy. The U.S. can either adapt and lead, or be left behind.