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I like data. There, I said it. Actually, I love data, so this
piece will contain quite a few numbers and charts looking at how we
should make the transition to a predominantly renewable energy economy
here in the U.S. There are many reasons to make this transition, but
I’ll take as a given that we should make this transition, focusing instead on how we can best do this.
For those who are allergic to numbers, let me sum up the conclusions
here in the beginning. If we are to be successful in mitigating climate
change and achieving a sustainable and independent energy system, we
need to ride the waves already coming our way and do our best to start
new waves where we have the power to do so.
The biggest wave by far, which is already underneath us and swelling,
is solar power. We need to ride this wave as far as it will go -- and it
will go far. The cost of solar power has plummeted in the last few
years by more than 50 percent, and we are already seeing solar power
costs at or below the cost of utility power in an increasing number of
jurisdictions; this is generally known as “grid parity.” A recent report (see p. 7) found that Germany, Italy and Spain are now at grid parity for solar PV and many other countries are close. MORE
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