In 2022 alone, wind and solar generation provided environmental and health benefits valued at 14.3¢/kWh and 10.0¢/kWh, respectively, and helped prevent 1,200 to 1,600 premature deaths in the United States.
Wind Energy Technologies Office
June 5, 2024
minute read time
A new study by researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and published in Cell Reports finds that total air quality and environmental benefits from wind and solar deployment from 2019 to 2022 amounted to $249 billion. In 2022 alone, wind and solar generation provided environmental and health benefits valued at 14.3¢/kWh and 10.0¢/kWh, respectively, and helped prevent 1,200 to 1,600 premature deaths in the United States. The research updates previous findings by incorporating recent changes in the electricity system, new health and environmental impact data, and a quantitative analysis of uncertainty. This comprehensive study also explores regional differences and the impacts of reduced emissions, offering a valuable resource for future energy planning and policy.