Energy consumption in the U.S. - statistics & facts
Energy demand is an indicator of a region’s or country’s socio-economic performance and the wealth of its citizens. As emerging countries continue to grow rapidly, the world’s total energy demand continues to rise. However, developed countries such as the United States and some European countries have seen a stabilization or even decrease of consumption due in part to better efficiency standards.
By 2050 renewable energy consumption in the U.S. is forecast to reach over 30 quadrillion British thermal units, more than double the amount covered by wind, solar, and biomass sources today.
Fossil fuels continue being most consumed primary energy sources
Primary energy consumption worldwide is largely covered by fossil fuels, namely oil, natural gas, and coal. These fuels, however, are finite resources, and burning them emits large amounts of pollutants that contribute to climate change. The U.S. is the second largest primary energy consumer in the world, devouring over 95 exajoules in 2022. Apart from times of economic crisis, primary energy consumption in the United States has remained mostly unchanged since the 1990s, which is in part a result of a leveling of primary energy consumption by energy-intensive sectors like electric power and transportation.Growth of renewables
Renewables still account for a small share, although combined consumption of solar thermal and PV energy rose to over 1.8 quadrillion British thermal in 2022. Meanwhile, consumption of wind energy notably increased from 2020, despite the coronavirus pandemic impacting overall energy use. With the government encouraging the expansion of the offshore wind sector, wind energy consumption is expected to see even greater growth in the future.By 2050 renewable energy consumption in the U.S. is forecast to reach over 30 quadrillion British thermal units, more than double the amount covered by wind, solar, and biomass sources today.
