The Biden-Harris administration has introduced a significant development on the path to a green future. Additional $7.3 billion for the development of clean energy was announced by President Joe Biden in the course of his visit to Wisconsin.
This funding is aimed at starting 16 various initiatives, and it is part of the Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program.
The aim?
For the provision of cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable energy to the rural population in 23 states.
But you may ask, “This is such a big deal, why?” This investment is, in fact, the largest for rural electrification since the 1930s! Rural America hasn’t experienced anything this big since Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Rural Electrification Act during the New Deal.
The Emergence of Green Energy for Rural Communities
The 16 projects that are being funded will produce more than 10 GW of renewable electricity. For perspective, 10 GW can provide electricity to millions of homes and commercial establishments.
But it does not end here! Private investments, which are over $29 billion are also participation in this effort. With this powerful combination, rural America is about to shine—literally and figuratively. These projects will cut greenhouse gasses emitted by at least 43.7 million tons annually.
Final Thoughts: What This Could Mean for Rural Communities
This is not all about going green. These projects will also reduce energy bills for rural families, schools, farms and all business establishments. Think of this as being able to buy electricity at a cheaper price and at the same time being an environmental conservation hero.
And the benefits do not end in this instance as well. They will generate over 4,500 new permanent employment opportunities as well as construction employment of around 16,000 people. It also translates to better trends in employment whereby residents in rural areas stand better chances of landing decent paying employment.
In the words of Tom Vilsack, Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), it was stated that this program aimed at ‘helping enhance rural Americans’ quality of life with their energy costs kept reasonable’. Moreover, it is all happening under the Biden-Harris administration’s Justice40 effort, which seeks to ensure that forty percent of the benefits accruing from specific federal investments go to disadvantaged communities.
Renewable sources of energy are those sources of energy that are naturally rechargeable This is a brief detail of renewable energy Renewable energy is derived from natural sources that are renewable or can be easily renewed Besides being renewable, renewable energy sources have the ability to generate huge amounts of power.
Well, exactly what do we have in mind when we claim that you can liberate energy here, or use up energy there?
It’s a green buffet: The RE component of the capacity mix comprises 4377 MW of solar power, 3723 MW of wind power, 804 MW of nuclear power and 357 MW of hydropower. And to ensure that all these are utilized to their maximum potential, they are also incorporating 1,900MW hours of battery storage. It also means less blackouts and more constant power supply for the people.
The Bigger Picture: Cleaner energy for a Sustainable World
Finally, this $7. 3 billion investment isn’t just about electricity. I believe it is about creating a future that is brighter, cleaner and much more sustainable for the rural area of America. As through its rural development programs, the USDA is struggling to ensure that more than energy is taken to such regions. They are also enhancing others such as the internet connection, schools, security, health facilities, and many others. It is this program which is all about improving the quality of life of millions of Americans.
Therefore, locals of a large urban center and those residing in a small rural community should take this news to heart. It is refreshing to observe that the Biden-Harris administration recognizes rural clean energy as a matter of urgent priority not just as a positive development, but as a massive leap toward a better future.
