A recent report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that despite efforts to build and promote the use of renewable energy sources, petroleum, natural gas, and coal continue to account for 80 percent of U.S. energy consumption. However, fossil fuel’s share of total U.S. energy consumption in 2017 was the lowest since 1902. Additionally, fossil fuel consumption decreased for the third consecutive year.
The decline was driven by slight decreases in coal (2.5 percent) and natural gas (1.4 percent). Unlike coal use, which has decreased in eight of the past ten years, natural gas consumption has increased in eight of the past ten years. In 2017, it was twice that of coal.
Natural gas growth has also increased by rising use as a fuel source in the electric power sector. Overall, U.S. consumption of natural gas increased by 24 percent between 2005 and 2017.
Petroleum consumption increased in 2017 but remains 10 percent lower than its peak consumption level, set in 2005. Petroleum has been the largest source of energy consumption in the United States since surpassing coal in 1950.
The renewable share of energy consumption in 2017, which includes hydroelectricity, biomass, and other renewables such as wind and solar, was 11.3 percent – its largest percentage share in the modern era. The most significant growth in renewables over the past decade has been in solar and wind electricity generation. Advancements in fuel cells and turbine technology bode well for both forms of energy production going forward.
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