State Overview
The population of the “Keystone State,” Pennsylvania is approximately 12.93 million people[1]. Pennsylvania is the 5th most populated state in the United States.
In 2022, Pennsylvania’s economy was ranked 6th in the United States in gross domestic product (GDP)[2]. The state’s economy is dependent on the manufacturing, natural gas, coal, chemical, agriculture, food processing, pharmaceutical, and tourism industries[3].
Environmental Policies
In 2004. Pennsylvania enacted the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard, which mandates all retail electric suppliers sell at least 18% of their power from renewable energy by 2020-2021[4].
Power Generation Capabilities
In April 2023, utilities[5] used natural gas (58.5%), nuclear energy (32.1%), coal (5.0 %), and renewable energy (4.5%) to generate electricity in Pennsylvania. Wind, hydropower, and biomass are the dominant types of renewable energy used to generate electricity in Pennsylvania.
In April 2023, the average cost of residential electricity in Pennsylvania was 18.36¢ per kWh, compared to the national average of 16.11¢ per kWh.
Recent renewable energy developments in Pennsylvania include:
- 191 MW Solar Projects – In 2022, photovoltaic solar arrays with a total capacity of 191 MW were installed on seven government buildings across the state.
- 127 MW Solar Project – In July 2022, Maryland power company, Competitive Power Ventures commissioned the Maple Hill solar project at a site approximately 70 miles northwest of the city of Philadelphia.
- 20 MW Solar Project – In June 2023, Texas renewable energy company, Vesper Energy commissioned the Gaucho solar project at site approximately 5 miles west of the city of Pittsburg.
Conclusions
Coal was first commercially mined in Pennsylvania [6] in 1792. In 2021, 42.46 million tons of anthracite and bituminous coal was produced from 120 mines in Pennsylvania[7].
In 2010, 49.4% of Pennsylvania’s electricity was generated from coal-fueled power plants[8]. In April 20234, only 5.0% of the state’s electricity was generated from coal-fueled power plants. Why the decrease ?
- Pollution – Coal ash, the product of coal burned in a power plant contains arsenic, mercury, and lead; which are toxic. In 2019, coal ash was documented to have leaked into the ground water around 241 coal-fired plants in America[9].
- Economics – The cost to generate power from coal is more than double the cost to generate power from renewables, like solar.
- Climate Change – Coal generates 40% to 44% more greenhouse gases than natural gas.
Pennsylvania’s policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions can be characterized as follows:
- The Good – State utilities have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by moving from coal-fueled power plants to natural-fueled power plants. Coal-fueled power plants produce 40% to 44% more CO2 than natural gas fueled power plants.
- The Bad – Pennsylvania utilities failed to meet the state’s mandated Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard requiring all retail electric suppliers to sell at least 18% of their power from renewable energy by 2020-2021.
- The Ugly – The lack of new renewable energy projects is due in part to communities[10][11] across the state blocking the development of new wind and/or solar projects based on their personal agendas.
In 2021, Pennsylvania was 2nd only to Texas in natural gas production[12]. Pennsylvania’s annual natural gas production is approximately 20% of the United States annual natural gas production.
On 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, prompting the European Union, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand to place economic sanctions on Russian imports and exports. As a result, the crude oil and natural gas prices increased by over 50% from May 2021 to May 2022.
The United States is now increasing shipments of liquified natural gas to Europe to offset the loss of Russian natural gas exports. Demand for natural gas from Europe will almost certainly cause the price of domestic natural gas in the United States to increase. More importantly, greenhouse gas emissions continue to climb in the Keystone State.
Jack Kerfoot
Website – “Our Energy Conundrum”
www.jackkerfoot.com
Jack Kerfoot is a scientist, energy expert, and author of the book FUELING AMERICA, An Insider’s Journey and articles for The Hill, one of the largest independent political news sites in the United States. He has been interviewed on over 100 radio, podcast, and television stations from New York City to Los Angeles on numerous energy issues.
[1] Pennsylvania Population 2023, World Population Review
[2] U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis
[3] Biggest Industries in Pennsylvania – World Atlas
[4] National Conference of State Legislators – State Renewable Portfolio Standards and Goals, January 4, 2021
[5] U.S. Energy Information Agency – Pennsylvania State Profile and Energy Estimates, www.eia.gov
[6] “History of Anthracite Coal Mining” Mine Safety & Health Administration, US Dept. of Labor, January 23, 2016.
[7] U.S. EIA, Annual Coal Report 2021, October 2022
[8] U.S. Energy Information Agency, Pennsylvania Electric Power Consumption Estimates 1960 – 2018
[9] Reuters, “Coal Ash Contaminates Groundwater Near Most U.S. Coal Plants: Study” by Valerie Volcovici, 3/3/2019
[10] “Pennsylvania Is On The Cusp Of A Solar Energy Boom. Some Communities Want To Fight It” by Rachel McDevitt, 12/23/2020
[11] “A Surge, Then A Fade For Pennsylvania’s Wind Industry” by Amy Sisk, 1/12/2018
[12] .S. Energy Information Agency – Pennsylvania State Profile and Energy Estimates, www.eia.gov