EIA: "The 250-year history of U.S. energy consumption."
Only appropriate after the recent celebration of the semiquincentennial of the Declaration of Independence is a review of the evolution of energy. I almost have to apologize for the archaic language of the energy metric "quadrillion British thermal units." The Btu unit is about the same as measuring the heat released by a wooden kitchen match. The nickname for the combination is simply "quads." Total American energy—not just electricity.
Over the 250-year history of our nation, energy consumption has evolved from wood use in the 18th and 19th centuries to today’s use of modern renewables, hydropower, geothermal, hydrocarbons, and nuclear technology. "In 2025, total energy used in the United States was 96 quadrillion British thermal units (quads), up 2% from 2024, but below 2007’s record 99 quads."
Petroleum was the most-used energy source last year, followed closely by fossil methane + propane gases. Use of renewables + coal + nuclear energy each made up about 9% of total energy use. "As a share of total energy consumption in the United States, wood was the most-consumed source of energy early in our history." It is a tiny part of the 'other' category now. [But I still know people who heat or even cook with wood or biofuels].
Next, "fossil fuels emerged as the largest share of energy, starting with the use of coal, which expanded rapidly." With the more recent emergence of nuclear power + forms of renewable energy such as wind + solar, the total share of energy generation from fossil fuels decreased. "However, as of 2025, fossil fuels still accounted for the vast majority of energy consumed in the United States, accounting for 82% of energy consumed."
Staring at that stark number—82%—we must all realize that to repair the climate we have our work cut out for us. Coal is declining in spite of the misguided efforts by the White House. Methane + propane must be staunchly ratcheted down as well. Petroleum is the other large target. So, let's hop to it.
