(Energy.gov) The administration under president Joe Biden is targeting about 45% of US total energy consumption from the sun by 2050. The target is a significant jump from a provision of only 4% last year.
The Energy Department says that the US needs to double the solar energy installations each year over the next four years from last year. Annual installations would then need to be doubled again from then, up to 2030.
The US’s move is seen as a significant step towards combating climate change, with renewable sources a big boost for the achievement of the goal.
Analysts are skeptical on whether the US can achieve the green target, with the administration also keen on bringing global-warming emissions from the power sector to zero by 2035.
Solar experts say the achievement of the green target rests on having smart policy decisions and clear steps on how to get there. They warn that challenges such as trade disputes can complicate the plan.
The Energy Department projected, in February, that renewable sources would account for 42% of the total electricity production by 2050 based on current policies and trends.
