Statistics reveal that nearly 82 percent of energy in the United States still comes from fossil fuels. While a move towards renewable energy exists — wind is the fastest growing renewable source — more development of alternative energy sources is needed. With that in mind, let’s take a look at a breakdown of the progress of American renewable energy in 2014.

Wind Energy continues to slowly grow in Capacity

As of 2012, the United States boasted installed wind turbines that provide 60 Gigawatts of electricity generating capacity. This country’s wind resources have the potential to generate over 10,000 GW of electricity. Even with that promise, the estimates for installed wind capacity only reach 500 GW by 2050.

Considering that one wind turbine providing a megawatt of electricity displaces nearly 2,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year, additional investment in wind power bodes well for the environment. A wind power capacity of 300 GW keeps 825 million metric tons of CO2 out of the atmosphere on an annual basis.

Reducing the Cost of Solar Energy is Key

Solar panels covering only 0.6 percent of the United States provide enough energy for the entire country. Unfortunately, the price of solar energy equipment is what’s holding back faster adoption. The Department of Energy developed the SunShot Initiative with the hopes of reducing the costs of solar energy by 75 percent before the end of this decade.

If SunShot is successful, the expectation is that 27 percent of U.S. electricity demand will be met by solar sources by 2050. This will result in a 28 percent decrease in greenhouse gas emissions over that same period.

Geothermal and Hydrothermal Sources offer Promise

Geothermal power sources in the United States currently keep 22 million metric tons of CO2 from polluting the atmosphere. These sources are primarily available in the Western U.S. along with Alaska and Hawaii. The amount of geothermal electricity from power plants is expected to increase from 17 billion kWh in 2011 to 56 billion kWh by 2040, making this energy source beneficial for the environment.

If the promise of renewable energy inspires you to take you engineering career to the next level, make it a point to talk to The Talley Group. As one of the top engineering staffing agencies in Washington State, they are a great source for Seattle engineering jobs. Give them a call today!

Hybrid renewable energy systems are currently a hot item. The flexibility provided by hybrid energy sources appears to make a good fit for deriving power off the grid in remote regions. Using renewable energy for back-up in the event of a power outage is another intriguing use-case.

Flexibility is Key for Companies Specializing in Renewable Energy

Companies in this sector are discovering that it makes sense to be knowledgeable in multiple areas of renewable energy, instead of merely focusing on a certain type, like solar or wind. Using only one energy source may not provide enough power when compared with a more flexible hybrid option. Solar energy is especially a victim of this issue during the winter months or cloudy periods.

In situations where enough power isn’t available, batteries or diesel gasoline power makes up the difference. Leveraging a hybrid system mitigates the need for additional carbon-based backup power sources; simplifies the logistics around providing diesel fuel, and is ultimately better for the environment.

In remote areas, where battery backup is typically used instead of fuel, a hybrid system is involved in charging the batteries. Providing both solar and wind energy offers a better opportunity to keep those batteries fully charged during calm, cloudy periods.

Businesses taking Advantage of Hybrid Renewable Energy

Telecommunications companies, with a need to keep remote transmission stations powered on a 24/7 basis, are one business taking advantage of these new hybrid renewable energy systems. Typically dependent on diesel fuel for backup, hybrid power allows these companies to save money. A market research firm predicts the number of remote stations going “off-grid” will increase from 13,000 in 2012 to 84,000 in 2020.

Verizon and T-Mobile are just two of the telecommunications companies expected to reap the benefits of hybrid renewable energy. One Verizon site testing a hybrid system saw savings of over $8,000 in one year.

If these advancements in renewable energy applications inspire you to start or further a career in engineering, be sure to contact the friendly people at The Talley Group. As one of the top engineering staffing companies in the State of Washington, they are an excellent source for Seattle engineering jobs. Schedule some time with them today!

Engineers know how to problem solve. Employers are extremely attracted to such a skill. Because of this, you have an ability to attract all sorts of companies, not just technology and engineering firms.

If you are a computer engineer, information technology jobs in all sorts of arenas can be extremely appealing. You can be autonomous, working as your own department at places like nonprofits or financial or health agencies. People will depend on you and give you more credit, as you may be one of very few with technological knowledge, instead of one of many.

Engineers as Problem Solvers

“The ability to solve complex problems is very attractive to a variety of companies,” said Robin Hammond, director of Career Services at Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering, Arizona State University. She used the financial industry as an example:

 “Companies in this sector are always trying to make internal processes more efficient and more effective. Engineers are rigorous problem solvers, highly analytical, and proficient in math and quantitative skills. These attributes are key competencies for such companies as American Express, Goldman Sachs and U-Haul, to name a few.”

“Those with engineering degrees are also highly recruited at universities because companies see these candidates as potentially great leaders,” Hammond said.

Engineers as Data Organizers

Because of the intense mathematical background required for engineers, many companies take a liking to them for their ability to read and organize data. Today, almost every company has lists and piles of numbers and information. Engineers can make sense of such information, providing an organization with great knowledge and insight.

Universities, the government, healthcare organizations, corporations, utilities, contractors and a multitude of other industries value such assets in their organizations.

No Limit to Jobs

Nowadays, good job opportunities are not always available in every industry. However, academics are encouraging students to go into engineering for the excellent job security because of the variety of ways engineers can work for companies.

Jim Turnquist, director of Career Services at Michigan Technological University notes how industries you wouldn’t think of, like investment and insurance firms, use engineers:

“Investment firms hire engineers to do research on potential investments and new products that could affect the stock market (for instance, alternative energy, mining, new manufacturing methods),” he said. “And insurance companies hire them to investigate accidents, fires, and other damages to facilities. Also, engineers may investigate a potential customer to evaluate their facilities to determine if they want to insure their operation.”

Although you may have an engineering degree, you must continue to develop your service and communication skills. You will still need to work with others, and even though jobs are available, organizations believe a well-rounded individual is still the best employee.

Contact The Talley Group for a variety of engineering positions.