The Energy and Natural Resources career cluster focuses on powering homes, businesses, transportation, and communities. It also involves managing natural resources responsibly to ensure a sustainable future. This sector is strongly influenced by technological advancements, policy changes, climate change, and global energy demands.
Energy comes from a variety of sources; non-renewable sources include petroleum, natural gas, and coal. Currently, about 80% of U.S. energy needs are met through these methods.
Renewable energy sources include solar, wind, hydroelectric, nuclear energy, and biomass. Renewable energy is expected to grow significantly and dominate by 2050. Electricity may be generated from any renewable or non-renewable source.
This cluster includes industries that focus on generating energy, extracting resources such as oil and gas or minerals, conservation, and the responsible stewardship of water and land resources.
A global effort to reduce carbon emissions and slow climate change influences this cluster. Multiple strategies contribute to this effort, including compliance with environmental regulations, building greater adoption of renewable energy sources, rehabilitating contaminated land sites, and reducing pollution.
Quick facts:
- The United States uses more energy than any other country in the world. It currently produces the most fossil fuel energy and ranks second globally in total solar and wind power generation.
- Hydroelectric power has been used in the U.S. for over a century—one of the oldest forms of renewable energy.
- A major increase in demand for electricity is expected, driven largely by the growth of data centers and electric vehicle charging, while overall energy use may decrease.
- Public utilities employ hundreds of thousands of energy workers, but private companies employ the vast majority and serve millions of customers throughout the country.
- Innovations in ways to store energy—such as new battery technology and electric grid efficiency—help minimize power outages and ensure consistent, reliable power for communities.
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