History of US Energy Consumption

From 1850 to 2000, total energy use in the United States has increased dramatically. With each new invention comes a need for more energy and a drive to find new energy sources.

WOOD: In the early history of the United States, forests were abundant and therefore firewood was always readily available. From the founding of the country until the late 1700s, wood was the primary energy source.

COAL: In the early 1800s, industrialization and urbanization began. The railroad became a popular means of transportation— and with it—an increase in coal use. By 1885, coal became the dominant energy source.

PETROLEUM: By 1900, the USA began mass production of automobiles. They steadily emerged as a major cultural and economic force—that greatly increased petroleum use. By 1950, petroleum became the primary energy source and continues to this day.

US energy consumption, by source, 1850-2000


Vertical axis is in quadrillion BTUs

DID YOU KNOW? Initially, nuclear power had a rapid rise. There was a lot of early interest and the number of active reactors steadily grew for about 25 years. Then, after Three Mile Island and Chernobyl, public fear set in and the rise leveled off. Now, with the Obama administration, there is renewed interest in nuclear energy and future growth is again expected.