A new report from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) has revealed that about 6.2% of the country’s total electricity supplies in 2013 generated from nonhydro renewable energy like wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal.
According to the report, 11 states generated electricity at more than twice the national average from the sources, accounting for between 14% and 32% of their net electric generation.
Maine stood at first place by generating 32% of its electricity from nonhydro renewable, primarily biomass generation by the wood products industry.
The report noted that Maine had one-fourth of its net electric generation come from biomass resources.
Iowa and South Dakota have each generated over 25% of net electricity from wind generation, while Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Colorado generated 12% to 20% of their power from wind resources.
EIA said California generated over 18% of its electricity from nonhydroelectric renewable sources, but 2013 was the first year that wind produced more electricity than the state’s geothermal resources, which are the nation’s largest.
Biomass and solar generating resources also contributed to California’s renewable portfolio.
The report said the largest amount of nonhydroelectric renewable power was generated in Texas.