Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, are becoming increasingly cost- effective alternatives to fossil fuels. As technology improves and economies of scale are achieved, the cost of producing renewable energy continues to decline. However, the intermittent nature of solar and wind energy poses a significant challenge. Innovative solutions, like energy storage systems and smart grid technology, are essential to ensure the reliability of renewable energy systems. With continued investment, renewable energy could soon dominate the global energy landscape. Which of the following is a supporting detail from the passage? Renewable energy costs are declining due to technological improvements. Smart grid technology can help address energy reliability issues. Fossil fuels are less effective than wind power. Both a and b.

To identify the supporting details from the passage, let's analyze the options provided: 1. **Renewable energy costs are declining due to technological improvements.** - This statement aligns with the passage, which mentions that "As technology improves and economies of scale are achieved, the cost of producing renewable energy continues to decline." 2. **Smart grid technology can help address energy reliability issues.** - This statement is also supported by the passage, which states that "Innovative solutions, like energy storage systems and smart grid technology, are essential to ensure the reliability of renewable energy systems." 3. **Fossil fuels are less effective than wind power.** - This statement is not supported by the passage. The passage does not make a direct comparison between the effectiveness of fossil fuels and wind power. 4. **Both a and b.** - Since both statements a and b are supported by the passage, this option is correct. Based on this analysis, the correct answer is **Both a and b.**