National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) released a report in June 2012

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) released a report in June 2012 that contends the U.S. has the capability to obtain 80% of its electricity needs by 2050 from renewable sources of energy coupled with energy efficiency. Specifically, NREL outlines an energy portfolio which includes “flexible conventional generation, grid storage, new transmission, more responsive load and changes in power system operations.” The major challenges with putting renewable online have to do with resource variability and cost.