Is gas killing renewables, as is often said? Or perhaps are renewables hurting gas, as a few state? The facts strongly argue that "no" is the answer to both questions.
In the power production markets, gas and renewable energy are both thriving. Indeed, the last 5 years have been very good to both as the market shares of gas and renewables increased by almost identical, large amounts.
The combined electricity market share of gas and renewables rose 43% from 2007 to 2012. That matters!
http://about.bnef.com/2013/01/31/sustainable-energy-in-america-2013-factbook/. For example, the rise of gas and renewable energy has led to rapidly declining carbon and toxic air pollution numbers across the country.
Five years ago, in 2007, gas and renewables provided 30% of America's power, with gas at 22% and renewable energy at 8%. At the end of 2012, the gas-renewables combination provided 42% of our electricity, with gas at 30% and renewable energy at 12%.
Again, the gas-renewable combined market share increase over the 5-year period was 43%.
The rest of Uncle Sam's power came from coal and nuclear that provided respectively about 37% and 20% of our juice. While nuclear power's market share has been essentially flat, coal has lost substantial market share, falling from 48% in 2008 to 37% or about a 23% market share decline.
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