According to the Power Profiler, my zip code is in the MROW eGRID subregion. The area’s fuel mix is as follows: non-hydroelectric renewable (35.5%), hydroelectric (5.8%), nuclear (10.5%), oil (0.1%), gas (10.9%), and coal derived energy (38.2%) (US EPA, 2021). The national averages of these values are: 12.4%, 7.0%, 19.6%, 0.7%, 40.5%, and 19.3%, respectively (US EPA, 2021). Drawing from these figures, it can be seen that the region relies substantially on coal and wind while the nation derives most of its energy from, gas, nuclear and coal. Also, the MROW subregion performs better in terms of using renewable sources compared to the nation overall with its heavy reliance on non-renewable sources.
The similarities and discrepancies between the regional and national values can be attributed to various factors including location, prevailing weather conditions, and legislation. Just like the United States, the MROW region is one of the leading coal producers in the country, which means many people and organizations have a significant reliance on this resource (Squalli, 2017). This is the reason for the similarity between the two. On the other hand, the region is located in one of the windiest places in the nation, with vast areas of unoccupied land. As such, it is ideal for the installation of solar farms, which provides a significant portion of the energy consumed there. Minnesota introduced the omnibus climate and energy bill looking to transition the state to 100% reliance on renewable energy sources (Hubbard, 2022). This explains the relatively heavier reliance on non-hydroelectric renewable energy.
Different areas get energy from the most convenient sources available to them. This is why the findings of this research are not surprising. Energy use depends on cost and efficiency, so people will consumer whatever is available to them with the least difficulty. The policies and legislation used in the region also play a factor because they direct resource allocation. Combined, these elements predispose the characteristics of energy consumption in a given region.
References
Hubbard, R. (2022). Omnibus climate and energy bill targets a “clean energy transition” – Session Daily – Minnesota House of Representatives. Web.
Squalli, J. (2017). Renewable energy, coal as a baseload power source, and greenhouse gas emissions: Evidence from US state-level data. Energy, 127, 479-488. Web.
US EPA. (2021). Power Profiler. Www.epa.gov. Web.