How Has U.S. Energy Use Changed Since 1776? - CleanTechnica

As of 2024, the United States consumed approximately 94 quadrillion British thermal units (quads) of energy, marking a 1% increase from the previous year. Fossil fuels—petroleum, natural gas, and coal—continue to dominate U.S. energy consumption, accounting for 82% of the total, while nonfossil sources such as renewables and nuclear energy make up the remaining 18%. Petroleum remains the most-consumed fuel, maintaining this status for the past 75 years. Notably, natural gas, once considered a waste byproduct, has become a major energy source for heating and electricity generation. Historically, energy use in the U.S. has evolved significantly since 1776. Early energy sources included water-powered mills, though their contribution is not well quantified. Coal surpassed wood as a primary energy source in the 19th century, and natural gas overtook coal in 1958. More recently, renewable energy sources such as wind and