Hydroelectric or water power in the U.S. is being used as much as possible now. Solar power is a diffused energy source - it is available only when the sun shines. Although some energy can be stored in energy cells, the technology for storing large amounts is still in its infancy. Wind power also is a diffused energy source. It is available only in some parts of the country and only when the wind blows consistently.
Geothermal energy is found at only a few special locations.
Other possible energy sources are methane from land fills and from burning garbage. For reliability, however, we need to depend on nuclear power and coal for the near future until we can develop other sources. Return to list. But it is less than the cost for oil. Costs for building nuclear power plants have increased in recent years because of more regulations and court delays.