New study: More renewable energy on the grid may prevent severe blackouts

New research out from the University of Tennessee suggests that integrating renewable energy sources into power grids may enhance – rather than weaken – overall grid resilience.

The study, which was published in the journal “Nature Energy”, analyzed over 2,000 blackout events across 278 U.S. cities, and ound that regions with high renewable energy integration experience fewer severe blackouts than those using traditional power systems.

In 2022, the U.S. Energy Information Administration projected that wind and solar will contribute 44% of the nation’s electricity by 2050, which is likely a lowball figure. Renewable energy’s growth has consistently outpaced projections.

“A future powered by renewable energy is within our reach,” said Johanna Neumann, senior director of the Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy at Environment America Research & Policy Center. “The sun and wind show up every day, for free and we can harness that energy more efficiently and affordably than ever before. How much longer will we continue to tolerate the pollution and other harms that come from dirty energy, when cleaner and healthier options are ready to take center stage?