Alternative energy consumption corresponded to roughly seven per cent of the U.S. total energy consumption. Biomass led alternative energy trends with 53 per cent of the renewable energy market, followed by hydroelectric power with 36 per cent. At the same time, some of the fastest annual rates of growth in consumption were for wind (29 percent) and ethanol (26 percent).

Renewable energy sources are energy sources that are continually replenished. These include energy from water, wind, the sun, geothermal sources, and biomass sources such as energy crops. In contrast, fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are non-renewable.

Renewable sources of energy vary widely in their cost-effectiveness and in their availability across the United States. Although water, wind, and other renewables may appear free, their cost comes in collecting, harnessing, and transporting the energy so that it can do useful work.

Wolfe Engineering supports various companies in fabricating alternative energy equipment, including oxide fuel cells, solar, hydrogen fuel cells, and battery systems.