Renewable Energy
Today, 98% of Colorado’s energy is produced from fossil fuels—coal, oil, and natural gas. They are plentiful and inexpensive today, but their supply is finite and their combustion has environmental consequences. In contrast, clean energy resources are constantly replenished and economically advantageous to the state.
Renewable energy comes either directly or indirectly from the sun or from tapping the heat in the Earth’s core. Sunlight, or solar energy, can be used directly for heating, cooling, and lighting homes and other buildings, generating electricity, and heating hot water. The sun’s heat also causes temperature changes on the Earth’s surface and in the air, creating wind energy that can be captured with wind turbines.
Sunlight causes plants to grow and is the source of all life. The organic matter that comes from plants and from animal wastes is known as biomass. It can be used to produce electricity, transportation fuels (biofuels), or chemicals for consumer products.
Geothermal energy taps the Earth’s internal heat, carried by steam or hot water. It can generate electricity or be used directly to heat and cool buildings.
The Governor's Energy Office is working to increase Colorado's supply of clean, reliable power while bringing jobs and economic development to communities across the state. One result of this effort is a report entitled "Connecting Colorado's Renewable Resources to the Markets", read the report in the Publications section of this website.