# Renewable Energy Study Challenges Fossil Fuel Costs

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/11/renewable-energy-study-challenges-fossil-fuel-costs/
- Published: 2011-11-16T18:55:44-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## Renewable Energy Study: $83 Billion Saving Seen in Switch from Fossil Fuels, Nuclear Power

## Renewable Energy Study: Fossil Fuels Aren’t the Bargain They Seem

### New Report Busts the Myth

Fossil fuels are not the cheapest way forward according to a new renewable energy
study. That’s the core message of a new study by Synapse Energy Economics. The report,
commissioned by the Civil Society Institute, challenges the idea that clean energy
is too pricey or unreliable.

Titled “Toward a Sustainable Future for the U.S. Power Sector: Beyond Business as
Usual 2011” and available online at  [http://www.CivilSocietyInstitute.org/synapsereport](https://web.archive.org/web/20160624035754/http://www.civilsocietyinstitute.org/synapsereport/),
the new Synapse/CSI report outlines a realistic transition to a cleaner energy future
that would result in a net savings of $83 billion over the next 40 years.

![Scenic road lined with autumn trees leading toward wind turbines under a clear
blue sky overlaid with text challenging the myth that fossil fuels are the cheaper
energy option](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/DDC64E4B-
5443-4573-A20E-5F7FED80B8DB.png?resize=300%2C300&quality=50&ssl=1 "Fossil fuels 
aren't cheap - The Green Living Guy")

AI

 

The Synapse report also details other major benefits, including:  the avoidance 
of [tens of thousands of premature deaths](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/01/cost-of-electric-power-enourmous-health-and-water-impacts-of-coal-and-nuclear-power-%e2%80%9chidden%e2%80%9d/)
due to pollution; the creation of hundreds of thousands of new jobs; sharp cuts 
in carbon pollution; and significant cuts in water consumption for power production.

### Cleaner Future, Bigger Payoff

The study lays it out clearly. A future built on energy efficiency and renewables
isn’t just possible — it’s practical. In fact, it’s cheaper. The “business as usual”
path, clinging to coal and nuclear, costs more over time. In contrast, switching
to clean sources saves money, improves health, and creates jobs.

### Yes, We Can Keep the Lights On

People often worry renewables can’t meet demand. But the report shows otherwise.
Wind, solar, and [smart grid](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/03/smart-grid-technologies-transforming-energy-systems/)
tech can power the U.S. without sacrificing reliability. It’s not science fiction.
It’s smart planning.

### Savings Go Beyond Dollars

There’s more at stake than money. Dirty energy takes a toll on our health. The shift
away from coal and nuclear reduces pollution and the health risks that come with
it. That means fewer hospital visits. Lower health costs. Cleaner air for kids to
breathe.

### More Jobs, Not Less

And here’s a bonus: clean energy creates jobs. Lots of them. Efficiency upgrades,
solar installs, wind tech — they all need workers. The renewable energy study says
clean energy doesn’t shrink the economy. It grows it.

## Takeaway of the Renewable Study

Fossil fuels aren’t the deal many think they are. Cleaner energy, used wisely, gives
us savings, stability, better health, and more jobs. It’s time to rethink what’s“
cheap” — because the real cost of dirty power is too high.

### Sources:

[https://www.synapse-energy.com/project/clean-energy-future](https://www.synapse-energy.com/project/clean-energy-future)

[https://www.civilsocietyinstitute.org/media/press-release-clean-energy-report](https://www.civilsocietyinstitute.org/media/press-release-clean-energy-report)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – November 16, 2011 

(For details on this November 3, 2011 CSI national opinion survey, see [http://www.civilsocietyinstitute.org/media/110311release.cfm](https://web.archive.org/web/20160420145805/http://www.civilsocietyinstitute.org/media/110311release.cfm).)

###  

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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