The use of renewable technologies for electricity generation is stimulated by improved technology, higher fossil fuel prices, and extension of the tax credits in EPACT2005. The reference case also includes State RPS programs where the legislation is in place. Total renewable generation in the AEO2008 reference case, including combined heat and power (CHP) and end-use generation, grows by 2.1 percent per year, from 385 billion kilowatthours in 2006 to 631 billion kilowatthours in 2030.
The projection for renewable generation in the AEO2008 reference case, which includes State and regional programs, is significantly higher than the comparable AEO2007 projection. Reuters has a report on the new forecast. A summary of the AEO2008 report is available on the EIA's website.
