By Mickey Francis, US Energy Information Administration
Highlights
- In 2019, U.S. annual energy consumption from renewable sources exceeded coal consumption for the first time since before 1885, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
- Compared with 2018, coal consumption in the United States decreased nearly 15%, and total renewable energy consumption grew by 1%, largely comprised of wind and solar
- Natural gas consumption in the electric power sector has significantly increased in recent years and has displaced much of the electricity generation from retired coal plants
- Since 2015, the growth in U.S. renewable energy is almost entirely attributable to the use of wind and solar in the electric power sector
- In 2019, electricity generation from wind surpassed hydro for the first time and is now the most-used source of renewable energy for electricity generation in the United States on an annual basis
- Coal is still being used within the US to generate electricity; 90% of coal used is in the electric power sector and the rest is in the industrial sector
The Climate Center works toward electrifying buildings and vehicles using 100% clean energy sources such as solar and wind to eliminate fossil fuel-based emissions.
Read more: https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=43895
Nina Turner
Energy Programs and Communications CoordinatorJanina is a graduate of the Energy Management and Design program at Sonoma State University with experience in non-profits that specialize in sustainability and volunteerism.
