Molly Ayala
Fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and gas, are the largest source of global carbon dioxide emissions. In 2023, about 60% of electricity generation in the United States was from fossil fuels, with 38% from petroleum, 36% from natural gas, and 9% from coal. Globally, more than a third of electricity comes from low-carbon sources, with some countries, such as Sweden, Norway, and France, obtaining nearly all of their electricity from nuclear or renewable sources. The transition to clean energy is crucial to mitigating climate change, with renewable energy sources offering a diverse and sustainable energy system.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of electricity generation from fossil fuels in the US | 60% in 2023 |
| Percentage of electricity generation from fossil fuels globally | Over 50% |
| Fossil fuel types used for electricity generation | Coal, natural gas, petroleum, and other gases |
| Percentage of US electricity generation from coal | 9% in 2023 |
| Percentage of US electricity generation from natural gas | 36%-38% in 2021 and 2023 |
| Percentage of US electricity generation from petroleum | 38% in 2023 |
| Other sources of electricity generation in the US | Nuclear energy (9%-18%), renewable energy (8.8%-21%) |
| Impact of fossil fuels on climate change | Fossil fuels are the largest contributor to global climate change, accounting for over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions |
| Alternatives to fossil fuels | Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydropower, biomass, and geothermal |
| Benefits of renewable energy | Cheaper electricity, reduced carbon emissions, improved air quality, energy independence, economic growth, and job creation |
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What You'll Learn
Fossil fuels are the predominant source of electricity globally
The dominance of fossil fuels in the energy sector has significant implications for the environment and climate change. Fossil fuels are the largest contributor to global climate change, accounting for over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90% of all carbon dioxide emissions. In the United States, the vast majority of carbon emissions come from fossil fuels, with petroleum, natural gas, and coal being the largest sources of carbon pollution. While there has been a shift towards natural gas, which emits less carbon dioxide than coal, leaks from natural gas infrastructure contribute methane, another potent greenhouse gas, to the atmosphere.
Despite the environmental concerns associated with fossil fuels, they continue to be a significant source of electricity due to their abundance and affordability. However, the landscape is slowly changing with the development of renewable energy sources. In 2020, renewable energy accounted for about 20% of U.S. electricity generation, and this share is expected to grow. Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, have seen significant cost reductions, making them more attractive options for electricity generation. Additionally, the development of technologies like carbon capture and storage (CCS) can help mitigate the environmental impact of fossil fuels by capturing and storing carbon emissions.
While fossil fuels currently dominate the global electricity landscape, the future looks different. There is a growing recognition of the need to transition away from fossil fuels to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. This shift is driven by the desire to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change. Renewable energy sources have the potential to meet the growing demand for electricity with a much smaller environmental footprint, driving inclusive economic growth, new jobs, and poverty alleviation. With falling costs and improving technology, renewable energy is poised to play a much larger role in global electricity generation in the coming years.
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Coal and gas are the most common fossil fuels used
In 2023, about 60% of electricity generation in the United States was from fossil fuels, with coal, natural gas, petroleum, and other gases being used. In 2020, coal supplied 19% of US energy consumption, down from previous years, as the costs of natural gas and renewable energy have dropped, making coal less competitive. Coal combustion produces a variety of harmful air pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, mercury, and particulate matter, and is a major contributor to global climate change. As coal usage has dropped in the US, carbon dioxide emissions from coal have also decreased—by 50% from 2007 to 2019.
Natural gas is burned to generate an increasing share of US electricity and now supplies one-third of the country's energy consumption. Natural gas is most commonly used to produce heat or electricity for buildings or industrial processes. While it emits less carbon dioxide and other air pollutants than coal, leaks from natural gas plants, wells, and pipelines emit methane, a greenhouse gas that is 25 times more effective than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere.
Oil is another fossil fuel that constitutes about one-third of US energy consumption. It is the most commonly used fossil fuel globally and is primarily used for transportation. Oil is extracted from underground reservoirs or deposits in shale and tar sands. Once extracted, it is refined to create fuel oil, gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas, and non-fuel products such as pesticides, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and plastics. Oil combustion was responsible for 45% of US energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in 2020 and poses major environmental and safety risks.
While coal, natural gas, and oil are the most common fossil fuels used, there is a growing movement towards renewable energy sources. In 2020, renewable energy accounted for about 20% of US electricity generation, and this share is expected to increase. Wind and solar are the fastest-growing renewable sources, but they still contribute less than 3% of total energy used in the US. Nonetheless, initiatives like the US DOE's SunShot Initiative aim to increase the adoption of solar energy, with a target of meeting 33% of US electricity demand by 2030.
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Fossil fuels are the largest contributor to global carbon emissions
The dominance of fossil fuels in the energy mix has remained relatively unchanged over the past few decades. While renewable sources have made gains, nuclear energy's decline has offset this progress. As a result, fossil fuel combustion is the primary source of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. In 2018, 89% of global CO2 emissions were attributed to fossil fuels and industry, with coal being the most significant contributor, responsible for over 0.3°C of the 1°C increase in global temperatures. Oil is also a major contributor, accounting for approximately one-third of the world's carbon emissions.
The transportation sector is the largest source of direct greenhouse gas emissions, with over 94% of transportation fuel being petroleum-based. The industrial sector is the third-largest source of direct emissions, with fossil fuels burned on-site being the primary source. Additionally, the commercial and residential sectors contribute to emissions through the burning of fossil fuels for heat and the use of gases for refrigeration and cooling.
The continued reliance on fossil fuels has significant implications for the environment. The upcoming COP28 meetings aim to address these concerns and push for a transition to clean energy sources. However, with many influential countries still heavily dependent on fossil fuels, achieving significant reductions in their use remains a challenge.
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Renewable energy sources are becoming more affordable
In 2023, about 60% of electricity generation in the United States was from fossil fuels, with coal, natural gas, and petroleum being the main sources. However, the share of electricity generated from renewable sources is expected to increase. In 2020, renewable energy accounted for about 20% of US electricity generation, and this share is projected to grow.
Several factors contribute to the decreasing costs of renewable energy sources. Firstly, renewable energy technologies follow learning curves, which means that with each doubling of cumulative installed capacity, their price declines by the same fraction. This results in a growing price difference between expensive fossil fuels and increasingly affordable renewables. Additionally, initiatives like the U.S. DOE's SunShot Initiative aim to reduce the price of solar energy by 50% by 2030, further enhancing the affordability of renewable energy sources.
The decreasing costs of renewable energy sources have made them more attractive to a wider range of countries, including low- and middle-income nations. This trend is expected to contribute to a significant increase in the demand for renewable energy technologies. According to the IEA, the transition to net-zero emissions will lead to a net gain of 9 million jobs in the clean energy sector by 2030.
Furthermore, the affordability of renewable energy sources is driving their competitiveness with traditional energy markets. Solar and wind power, combined with battery storage, are already cheaper than conventional generation on a lifetime basis. This competitiveness is further enhanced by the rising prices of fossil fuels, particularly gas and coal. As a result, renewable energy sources are becoming an increasingly viable and attractive option for meeting global energy demands.
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The US generated 60% of its electricity from fossil fuels in 2023
In 2023, the United States generated 60% of its electricity from fossil fuels. This equates to about 2,509 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity. Fossil fuels include coal, natural gas, petroleum, and other gases. The US has long produced most of its energy from fossil fuels, and this majority has been relatively stable over the past 30 years, though it has been declining in recent years. In 2023, 38% of the nation's energy originated from petroleum, 36% from natural gas, and 9% from coal.
The US has been making progress in transitioning to renewable energy sources. In 2023, renewables surpassed coal in energy generation. Wind, solar, and other renewable sources are the fastest-growing sources of energy in the US, but they still contribute less than 3% of the country's total energy. In 2021, renewable energy sources, including biomass, wind, hydro, solar, and geothermal, accounted for 9% of the country's energy. This was an increase from 2020, when renewable energy accounted for about 20% of US electricity generation. The cost of electricity from solar power fell by 85% between 2010 and 2020, and the cost of wind energy also decreased significantly during this period.
Despite this progress, the US still has a long way to go in reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are the largest contributor to global climate change, accounting for over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90% of all carbon dioxide emissions. To avoid the worst impacts of climate change, emissions need to be reduced by almost half by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. Transitioning to renewable energy sources is crucial for mitigating climate change and improving air quality.
The US has the potential to significantly increase its use of renewable energy. The US DOE's SunShot Initiative aims to reduce the price of solar energy by 50% by 2030, which could lead to 33% of US electricity demand being met by solar power. Additionally, onshore wind resources have a potential capacity of 9,124 GW, with a current installed capacity of over 144 GW. Offshore wind resources also show promise, with a potential capacity of 4,249 GW.
By accelerating the transition to clean electricity and investing in renewable energy sources, the US can help to address climate change, improve air quality, and diversify its energy portfolio.
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Frequently asked questions
In 2023, about 60% of electricity generation in the United States was from fossil fuels. Globally, the majority of electricity is still generated from fossil fuels, predominantly coal and gas.
Fossil fuels accounted for 84% of total energy production in the US in 2023.
Fossil fuels are fuels such as coal, oil, and gas that are formed from the fossilized remains of dead plants and animals over millions of years.
Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, water, waste, and geothermal energy are possible alternatives to fossil fuels.
In 2023, renewable energy sources accounted for about 20% of energy production in the US. Globally, more than a third of electricity comes from low-carbon sources.
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