Renewable energy, coal as a baseload power source, and greenhouse gas emissions: Evidence from U.S. state-level data

This paper examines the relationship between renewable energy production and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) using U.S. state-level data for 2010. After controlling for other sources of emissions, U.S. states that produce a larger share of renewable energy are found to have lower GHG emissions. It is estimated that a 10% increase in the share of renewable energy could decrease CH4 emissions by about 0.26%. Since the use of renewable energy sources does not release GHG emissions, this effect can be interpreted as stabilizing if renewable energy is added to coal use or as corrective if it replaces coal. After accounting for the role of coal as a baseload power source, an increase in the share of renewable energy is estimated to mitigate N2O emissions at the U.S. state level only if states individually decrease their share of coal use to levels below 41.47%. These findings have significant policy implications for the provision of guidance to policymakers in identifying optimal energy mixes and in pursuing realistic goals to enhance renewable energy penetration and to contribute to the current efforts of tackling climate change. •The paper examines the link between renewable energy, coal, and GHG emissions.•The analysis accounts for the role of coal as a baseload power source.•A 10% increase in renewable energy share decreases CH4 emissions by about 0.26%.•Renewable energy can mitigate emissions if the share of coal drops below 41.47%.