Solar energy initiative granted final approval in the US

Ambitious solar energy initiative wins approval from Obama administration

Late last week, the Obama administration granted final approval for a plan that would open up approximately 285,000 acres of land in the Western U.S. for solar energy projects. The plan highlights 17 “solar zones,” swaths of land that are considered ideal for solar energy systems. The plan is part of the federal government’s initiative to “fast track” the country’s adoption of clean energy. The projects that will take root in the solar zones are to receive the support of the Department of the Interior, which will ensure that these projects reach completion quickly.

Solar energy continues to gain support in the US

Solar energy has established a powerful foothold in the U.S. despite the controversy that has begun to surround the industry due to the failure of a handful of solar energy companies. This form of clean energy has proven popular amongst consumers and businesses alike, and the demand for solar energy systems has grown exponentially over the past several years. There has also been a great push from Western states looking to embrace clean energy. Because these states receive a large amount of solar radiation on a daily basis, they are considered ideal locations for solar energy projects.

23,700MW expected to be generated through new energy systems

According to the Department of the Interior, when the solar zones are fully built out with energy systems, more than 23,700 megawatts of electricity will be fed into the Western U.S. energy grid. This is enough to power approximately 7 million average homes. As the energy grid becomes filled with renewable power, the cost of electricity that consumers and businesses experience currently are likely to drop significantly.

New energy plan may be making progress in clean energy after all

The U.S. government has adopted an “all of the above” energy plan. This plan has the country seeking to make more use of various forms of clean energy, as well as increase its use of fossil-fuels. Critics of the plan suggest that it divides the country’s attention to much and that no significant progress in the realm of clean energy will be made. Despite these concerns, solar energy has made significant progress, and this progress is likely to continue due to the new project.