Fossil fuel consumption in the U.S. - statistics & facts
The story of fossil fuels began millions of years ago when ancient organisms died and were gradually buried by layers of rock and sediment. As these layers grew thicker, the organic matter was subjected to intense heat and pressure. The remains of plants and organisms can be chemically altered by this process and changed into substances known as coal, crude oil, and natural gas. These are the three main types of fossil fuels. They are still necessary to help meet the energy and electricity demands of many countries, including the United States. Today, fossil fuel industries drill or mine for these energy sources, burn them to produce electricity, or refine them for use as fuel for heating or transportation.
Meanwhile, natural gas has overtaken coal as the main fuel for U.S. electricity generation. Apart from the electric power sector, natural gas is also a valuable feedstock in the chemicals manufacturing industry. In 2022, the average natural gas price for U.S. industry consumers stood at 7.9 U.S. dollars per thousand cubic feet.
U.S. coal primarily used in electric power sector
Coal was the first fuel exploited by humans for energy on a large scale, it is a black or brownish-black carbonaceous rock formed from dead trees and other plants. The U.S. is the third largest coal consumer worldwide. The country's electric power sector was responsible for 8.9 quadrillion British thermal units of coal consumed in 2022. However, the use of coal has notably decreased in recent years.The role of crude oil and gas in U.S. energy consumption
Crude oil and gas were formed from dead marine organisms. After crude oil is pumped from the ground, it is sent to a refinery where different parts of the crude oil are processed into various petroleum products. Crude oil is often used to fabricate liquid-fuel products like gasoline, diesel fuel, and heating oil. The transportation sector is by far the largest consumer of petroleum products in the U.S. Unlike coal, petroleum consumption has remained high, despite growing concerns over its impact on the climate.Meanwhile, natural gas has overtaken coal as the main fuel for U.S. electricity generation. Apart from the electric power sector, natural gas is also a valuable feedstock in the chemicals manufacturing industry. In 2022, the average natural gas price for U.S. industry consumers stood at 7.9 U.S. dollars per thousand cubic feet.
