Renewable energy meets about what percentage of U.S. energy needs (rounded to the nearest 5 percent)?

• A. 10%
• B. 20%
• C. 30%
• D. 5%

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is how much of the total U.S. energy use comes from renewable sources. When you look at all forms of energy—electric power, heating, and transportation—the portion from wind, solar, hydro, and other renewables is around ten percent. That’s because fossil fuels still supply the majority of energy for things like cars, trucks, airplanes, and industrial processes, while renewables mainly contribute to electricity generation and some heating or bioenergy. Rounding to the nearest five percent puts this figure at about ten percent. If you only considered electricity, renewables would appear larger, but the question asks total energy use, so the ten percent figure is the appropriate rounded estimate.