Renewable and Alternative Energy
R-STEP
The Reliable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement and Planning (R-STEP) program is a three-year grant awarded to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Energy Programs Office. The program provides technical assistance to help create new or expand existing state-based programs and initiatives that improve reliable energy siting at both the state and local levels. Learn more about the R-STEP program.
Reliable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement and Planning (R-STEP)
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This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation (CMEI) through the Reliable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement and Planning (R-STEP) program. R-STEP is administered with support from the Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has established with ENERGYWERX.
This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or any agency thereof.
Discover ways to improve energy efficiency, cut electricity costs, and reduce your carbon footprint. Access Penn State Extension’s education resources on generating and utilizing alternative and renewable energy sources. Information on Pennsylvania’s alternative energy credits is available.
Benefits of Alternative and Renewable Energy
From generating energy that helps reduce air pollution to creating new job opportunities, the environmental and economic benefits of renewable energy are difficult to ignore. Using electricity from renewable and alternative resources can also significantly reduce our carbon footprint.
Renewable energy is generated from continuously replenishing natural resources, such as sunlight, wind, and rain. Utilizing alternative resources refers to generating sustainable energy from non-traditional sources (alternatives to coal and fossil fuels) with low environmental impact.
Common Sustainable Energy Sources
Solar energy is one of the most abundant and freely available energy sources. A major benefit of solar energy systems is their ability to operate independently or in conjunction with traditional energy. There are currently many opportunities for the growth of solar power in Pennsylvania, including leasing land for solar use. Landowners are invited to join the Solar Leasing webinar to discover the important factors that should be considered when making a lease deal.
Biomass is another energy source that involves the conversion of natural resources such as biological materials into electricity. Biodiesel fuel, for instance, is a biomass-based fuel created by chemically processing vegetable oil. Learn more about biodiesel and other biofuels with Penn State Extension resources. Information is also available on developing cropping systems that meet food and fuel needs and converting manure to biogas. An online course on converting organic waste to energy can be found, as well.
Energy Use: Improve Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is an important factor for cleaning our air, saving energy, and, essentially, saving money. Farms are big energy consumers. They use a variety of energy sources, including electricity, gasoline, and natural gas. Penn State Extension’s Farm Energy Efficiency is a program that strives to grow the viability of PA's agricultural sector. It further seeks to improve energy use in agriculture in cost-effective, practical, and sustainable ways.
Renewable and alternative energy resources can be successfully produced as well as used on the farm. Finding ways to improve a farm's energy efficiency is key to increasing profitability.
At home, renewable fuels can be effectively used as a heating source. Efficient heating alternatives include home pellet boilers, pellet stove or wood stove, and biodiesel heating oil.
Penn State Extension provides comprehensive information on renewable energy use and efficiency. Topics include improving greenhouse energy efficiency, as well as understanding bioenergy and green buildings. Additionally, an Annual Heating Energy Cost Analyzer tool is provided to help understand heating fuel costs.
