Primary energy consumption in the U.S. 1998-2020

Primary energy consumption in the United States has oscillated since 1998, peaking at 97 exajoules in 2007. By 2020, figures had decreased to 87.8 exajoules. Primary energy refers to energy harvested directly from natural resources, before being transformed into electricity or other secondary or tertiary energy forms. It includes both fossil fuels and renewable sources.

Global primary energy demand

The U.S. is the second largest primary energy consumer worldwide, only falling behind China. In 2020, China had a primary energy demand of over 145 exajoules. Rounding out the top three, India ranked third and had a total energy consumption of 32 exajoules, or roughly 36 percent of the U.S.’s consumption.

Energy transition

Such high energy demand leads to greater carbon emissions. Consequently, 71 percent of American citizens are in favor of speeding up the transition to clean energy sources, such as wind and solar power. Despite the increase in clean energy investments in the U.S., the country’s main energy sources are still fossil fuels. However, the share of renewables in electricity generation has increased to almost 18 percent as of 2018.