U.S. renewables grew in 2008

WASHINGTON, March 30 (UPI) -- The U.S. Energy Information Administration released a report suggesting renewable-energy resources have increased over the last year.

According to the latest data, non-hydro renewable sources increased 17.6 percent in 2008, and hydropower increased 0.9 percent.

At the same time, electricity from coal power decreased by 1.1 percent, natural gas power decreased by 2.2 percent and petroleum decreased by 37.1 percent.

Nuclear generation during 2008 increased by 0.3 percent compared to 2007.

Wind had the highest increase, generating 51 percent more power in 2008 than in 2007.