In 1978 a monumental multi-departmental study was submitted
to President Carter concluding that “solar energy could make a significant
contribution to U.S. energy supply by the end of this century”. The study,
backed by 30 federal departments, stated that “even with today’s subsidized
energy prices, many solar technologies are already economic.” Yet no action was
taken and solar power and other renewable energies stagnated for over 30 years.
Until now? Allan Hoffman, former senior official at the U.S. Department of
Energy, who personally delivered the report to the White House back in 1978,
recalls what went wrong – and what lessons the U.S. should draw if it is to
avoid another failed renewables revolution.
