Responsible for coordinating oil and gas exploration, commercial, and wind energy activities while with Shell, David Lawrence has a present focus on strategies for the energy transition and sustainability. As the head of Lawrence Energy Group, LLC, former Shell executive David Lawrence emphasizes the importance of renewable energy, biosequestration, nuclear energy and natural gas in shifting to systems that are net carbon neutral for the planet.
A recent article in Popular Mechanics brought attention to a landmark event in which renewables such as solar, wind and hydro produced more energy in the United States than coal. This first-time-ever event reflects data for April 2019 according to the US Energy Information Administration and the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis.
One contributing factor was a surfeit of hydropower, which occurs each spring when power peaks as a result of melting snow. At the same time, exponential gains have been made over the past two decades in bringing the cost of renewable power on par with, or even cheaper, than fossil fuels.
With dozens of coal plants nationwide reaching the end of their expected lifespans, maintenance costs are rising quickly, which drives down coal competitiveness for utilities on a price basis. A number of recent regional studies have indicated that shutting down existing coal facilities and building renewable plants to replace them is now a cost-effective option.
While the current trend of renewable energy sources outpacing coal consumption is only expected to last a few months this year, predictions suggest that this will become the new norm in years to come.
A recent article in Popular Mechanics brought attention to a landmark event in which renewables such as solar, wind and hydro produced more energy in the United States than coal. This first-time-ever event reflects data for April 2019 according to the US Energy Information Administration and the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis.
One contributing factor was a surfeit of hydropower, which occurs each spring when power peaks as a result of melting snow. At the same time, exponential gains have been made over the past two decades in bringing the cost of renewable power on par with, or even cheaper, than fossil fuels.
With dozens of coal plants nationwide reaching the end of their expected lifespans, maintenance costs are rising quickly, which drives down coal competitiveness for utilities on a price basis. A number of recent regional studies have indicated that shutting down existing coal facilities and building renewable plants to replace them is now a cost-effective option.
While the current trend of renewable energy sources outpacing coal consumption is only expected to last a few months this year, predictions suggest that this will become the new norm in years to come.
