One state currently utilizes natural gas and nuclear energy. It needs to expand power production capacity while maintaining an average reliability of 92%. It has committed to building new energy sources that do not emit carbon. Which energy source should the state invest in?

Hydropower generates electricity without directly emitting carbon and can usually provide steady, controllable output, making it the best fit for a 92% average reliability target. Wind and solar are also non-carbon sources, but their output depends on weather and sunlight, so they are less consistently available. Coal emits carbon, so it does not meet the state’s commitment.

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