Energy Consumption in the United States - Overview

Our demand for energy is tremendous and we still rely on fossil fuels as a substantial part of our supply sources.

U.S. Primary Energy Consumption by Source and Sector, 2008
(Quadrillion Btu)

Petroleum, natural gas, and coal account for 83.4 quadrillion BTUs. That means the USA is consuming over 80% of its energy from fossil fuels. All the demand sectors currently rely heavily on fossil fuels.

Nuclear power is a somewhat helpful alternative because it cuts down on emissions but we have not determined how to deal with the radioactive waste. Right now, nuclear only contributes to electric power.

In this chart, sustainable energy is defined as hydroelectric power, geothermal, solar, wind, and biomass. All of those energy sources are better for the environment but collectively they make up the smallest supply source.

DID YOU KNOW? Statistics show that US per-capita energy consumption has not changed much from 1970 to today. One explanation is that we now import more equipment, cars, and other goods from foreign countries. Thus, we’ve reduced the US energy consumption required to make those goods, but continue to consume more energy as a country.