The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), in collaboration with the U.S. Departments of the Interior, Agriculture, and Defense, has conducted a comprehensive study on the potential for expanding renewable energy production on federal lands across the contiguous United States. Through the strategic deployment of clean energy resources, this study aims to address America’s growing energy demands by 2035 while promoting sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Significant Renewable Energy Potential on Federal Lands
Identifying Renewable Energy Capacity
The study reveals that federal lands have the potential to support over 7,700 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity, which includes utility-scale photovoltaics (solar), land-based wind, hydrothermal, and enhanced geothermal generation. This vast technical potential underscores the crucial role federal lands can play in transitioning the nation towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future. The identification of this capacity emphasizes the need for strategic planning and investment to harness the abundant renewable resources available.
Utility-scale solar energy shows the highest potential with the ability to generate substantial capacity, making it a significant contributor to the nation’s energy mix. Wind energy also plays a vital role, particularly in areas with high wind speeds that are suitable for large-scale deployments. Geothermal energy, both hydrothermal and enhanced geothermal systems, offers unique opportunities for baseload power generation, highlighting the diversity of renewable energy options available on federal lands. Together, these resources represent a critical asset for achieving the nation’s renewable energy goals.
Central Scenarios and Deployment
Seven scenarios were developed by researchers to balance energy demands with natural resource protection, focusing on different deployment strategies. In the central scenarios, between 51 to 84 GW of renewable energy could be deployed by 2035, occupying only about half a percent of federal lands in the contiguous U.S. This level of deployment would contribute up to 10% of the renewable energy required to achieve net-zero emissions, demonstrating the feasibility and importance of utilizing federal lands for sustainable energy production.
The central scenarios represent a pragmatic approach to renewable energy deployment, ensuring that environmental and land-use considerations are taken into account. These scenarios provide a roadmap for how federal lands can be leveraged to meet energy demands while preserving natural resources. The potential for significant renewable energy deployment under these scenarios underscores the importance of federal lands in the national energy strategy, highlighting their role in supporting a clean energy transition.
Role of the Department of the Interior
Exceeding Clean Energy Targets
The Department of the Interior has already permitted more than 30 GW of clean energy projects on federal lands, surpassing its initial target of 25 GW by 2025. This achievement demonstrates the department’s proactive approach and commitment to expanding renewable energy infrastructure. The current capacity is sufficient to power over 15 million homes, showcasing the impact of federal land utilization on the nation’s energy supply and the potential for further growth.
The success in exceeding clean energy targets reflects a coordinated effort between various stakeholders, including federal agencies, private sector partners, and local communities. This collaborative approach has facilitated the deployment of large-scale renewable energy projects, setting a precedent for future initiatives. As the demand for clean energy continues to rise, the Department of the Interior’s strategies and policies will be crucial in sustaining and accelerating renewable energy development on federal lands.
Future Domestic Energy Needs
The increasing domestic energy demand, driven by new housing developments, industrial growth, and advanced manufacturing, presents substantial opportunities for extending renewable energy on federal lands. Data centers and other energy-intensive industries will require reliable and sustainable energy sources to support their operations. The strategic deployment of renewable energy projects on federal lands can help meet these needs, ensuring a stable and clean energy supply for various sectors.
To address future energy needs, it will be essential to integrate renewable energy sources into the broader energy grid, enhancing grid reliability and resilience. This integration will involve investments in infrastructure, such as transmission lines and energy storage systems, to facilitate the efficient distribution of renewable energy. By leveraging the renewable energy potential of federal lands, the nation can create a sustainable energy future that supports economic growth and environmental stewardship.
Federal Commitment to Clean Energy
Leadership and Dedication
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm and Principal Deputy Director of the Bureau of Land Management Nada Wolff Culver emphasize the federal government’s dedication to leading clean energy initiatives. Their statements highlight the importance of federal leadership in promoting sustainable energy policies and achieving national climate goals. The commitment from top officials underscores the federal government’s role in driving the clean energy transition and setting an example for other sectors to follow.
The federal commitment to clean energy is reflected in various initiatives and programs aimed at reducing carbon emissions and increasing renewable energy capacity. By prioritizing clean energy projects on federal lands, the government can enhance national energy security, create jobs, and foster innovation in renewable energy technologies. This leadership is critical in mobilizing resources and coordinating efforts across different levels of government and the private sector.
Collaborative Efforts and Realistic Modeling
The study’s realistic modeling considers input from various federal agencies with different land management missions. This includes the DOE, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and the Department of Defense. The collaboration among these agencies ensures that the study’s findings are grounded in practical and achievable scenarios, reflecting the diverse objectives and constraints of federal land management.
The interdisciplinary approach taken in the study highlights the importance of collaboration in addressing complex energy and environmental challenges. By integrating the expertise and perspectives of different agencies, the study provides a comprehensive analysis of renewable energy potential on federal lands. This collaborative methodology sets a benchmark for future studies and initiatives, demonstrating how coordinated efforts can lead to more effective and sustainable outcomes.
Technical Potential and Constraints
Utility-Scale Solar and Wind
Even under stringent siting constraints, the study highlights substantial technical potential on federal lands—1,750 GW for utility-scale solar and 70 GW for land-based wind. These figures illustrate the significant capacity for renewable energy generation, even with careful consideration of environmental and land use factors. The ability to harness such vast amounts of solar and wind energy presents an unprecedented opportunity for advancing the nation’s clean energy agenda.
Utility-scale solar projects can be strategically located to maximize sunlight exposure and minimize environmental impact, while wind energy projects can be sited in areas with high wind speeds to optimize energy production. The technical potential identified in the study underscores the need for thoughtful planning and investment to develop these renewable resources. Ensuring that siting constraints are addressed appropriately will be critical in achieving the full potential of solar and wind energy on federal lands.
Enhanced Geothermal Potential
The projected deployment of geothermal capacity is significantly influenced by advances in enhanced geothermal technologies. With successful enhancements, deployment could reach 10 GW by 2035 and 36 GW by 2050. Enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) offer the potential to tap into geothermal resources in areas where conventional geothermal methods are not feasible. This technological innovation is essential for expanding the use of geothermal energy and diversifying the renewable energy portfolio.
Without such advances, deployment would be much lower, highlighting the importance of continued research and development in enhanced geothermal technologies. By investing in the advancement of EGS, the nation can unlock new geothermal resources and increase the overall geothermal capacity. This will contribute to a more resilient and diversified energy mix, supporting the long-term goals of energy security and sustainability.
Deployment Scenarios
Central and Utility-Scale Solar Scenarios
The central scenarios predict 51-84 GW of renewable energy on federal lands by 2035, with a scenario emphasizing utility-scale solar and storage forecasting 81-128 GW. These deployment scenarios demonstrate the potential for substantial renewable energy capacity with strategic planning and investment. By focusing on utility-scale solar, the scenarios highlight the importance of integrating energy storage solutions to enhance grid reliability and manage the intermittent nature of solar energy.
The success of these deployment scenarios depends on the effective implementation of policies and incentives that encourage investment in renewable energy projects. By creating a supportive regulatory framework and providing financial incentives, the government can attract private sector participation and accelerate the development of large-scale solar projects. These efforts will be crucial in realizing the full potential of utility-scale solar and contributing to national renewable energy targets.
Constrained Non-Federal Land Siting
Under more confined non-federal land siting conditions, deployment extends to 231–270 GW. This scenario underscores the importance of utilizing federal lands to their full potential to meet national renewable energy targets. Given the limitations and challenges associated with siting renewable energy projects on non-federal lands, federal lands offer a valuable resource for achieving large-scale renewable energy deployment.
The constrained non-federal land siting scenario highlights the need for a coordinated approach to land use planning and renewable energy development. By prioritizing federal lands for renewable energy projects, the government can address land use conflicts and ensure that renewable energy deployment aligns with environmental and social considerations. This strategic approach will be essential in maximizing the use of federal lands and achieving national climate goals.
Agency-Specific Findings
Bureau of Land Management
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) exhibits the highest renewable energy technical potential among federal agencies, followed by the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of Defense. Within the BLM’s jurisdiction, there are vast expanses of land that are well-suited for large-scale renewable energy projects, particularly solar and wind energy installations. The BLM’s efforts in facilitating renewable energy development have been instrumental in advancing national energy goals.
The U.S. Forest Service also plays a significant role, with national forests and grasslands offering opportunities for renewable energy projects that are compatible with environmental conservation objectives. The Department of Defense, with its extensive land holdings, provides additional potential for renewable energy development, particularly in support of military energy security initiatives. The collective efforts of these agencies are crucial in achieving the nation’s renewable energy targets.
Modest Potential of Other Agencies
Agencies like the DOE and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service show modest potential comparatively, yet their contributions remain vital in the broader context of national renewable energy goals. While their renewable energy capacity may be limited by specific land management missions and environmental considerations, these agencies play a key role in supporting sustainable energy development through research, regulatory frameworks, and conservation efforts.
The DOE’s expertise in energy research and technology development is essential for driving innovation in renewable energy systems, while the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ensures that environmental and wildlife protections are integrated into renewable energy projects. Together, these agencies contribute to a balanced approach that considers both renewable energy expansion and the preservation of natural resources.
Current and Future Generations on Federal Lands
Increasing Renewable Energy Generation
Presently, only 4% of renewable energy generation is situated on federal lands, but projections indicate that this could increase to 12.5% by 2035. The Department of the Interior’s clean energy permitting prioritization will play a crucial role in achieving this increase, as it facilitates the approval and deployment of renewable energy projects on federal lands. This growth in renewable energy generation on federal lands is vital for meeting national climate targets and transitioning to a sustainable energy future.
Increasing renewable energy generation on federal lands involves addressing various challenges, such as site selection, environmental impact assessments, and community engagement. By adopting best practices and leveraging advanced planning tools, federal agencies can streamline the permitting process and ensure that renewable energy projects are developed in an environmentally responsible manner. This approach will be essential in achieving the projected increase in renewable energy capacity on federal lands.
Specific Site Identification
The study pinpoints locations with high renewable potential within Bureau of Land Management field offices, U.S. Forest Service National Forests and Grasslands, and Department of Defense areas. Identifying these sites is crucial for targeted and efficient renewable energy deployment, as it allows for the strategic allocation of resources and minimizes potential conflicts with other land uses. The careful selection of high-potential sites ensures that renewable energy projects can be developed in areas that offer the greatest benefits.
The identification of specific sites with high renewable potential is based on comprehensive assessments of land suitability, resource availability, and environmental considerations. By focusing on these sites, federal agencies can maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of renewable energy deployment. This targeted approach will be instrumental in achieving national renewable energy goals and ensuring that federal lands contribute significantly to the clean energy transition.
Public Needs and Trade-Offs
Navigating Public Requirements
The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), in partnership with the U.S. Departments of the Interior, Agriculture, and Defense, completed an extensive study on expanding renewable energy output on federal lands across the contiguous United States. The goal of this study is to meet America’s increasing energy needs by 2035 through the strategic use of clean energy resources. By doing so, it aims to promote sustainability and significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions. The study highlights the massive potential for utilizing federal lands for solar, wind, and geothermal energy projects. Its findings suggest that with proper planning and investment, these lands could substantially contribute to the country’s energy portfolio. The collaboration underscores the government’s commitment to addressing climate change and enhancing energy security. By leveraging this underutilized resource, the U.S. could make significant strides towards a more sustainable and self-reliant energy future, benefiting both the environment and the economy.
