Electricity in the United States is produced (generated) with diverse energy sources and technologies
The United States uses many different energy sources and technologies to generate electricity. The sources and technologies have changed over time, and some are used more than others.
The three major categories of energy for electricity generation are fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, and petroleum), nuclear energy, and renewable energy sources. Most electricity is generated with steam turbines using fossil fuels, nuclear, biomass, geothermal, and solar thermal energy. Other major electricity generation technologies include gas turbines, hydro turbines, wind turbines, and solar photovoltaics.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration publishes data on electricity generation from utility-scale and small-scale systems. Utility-scale systems include power plants that have at least 1 megawatt (MW) of electric generation capacity. Small-scale systems have less than 1 MW (1,000 kilowatts) of electric generation capacity. In 2022, total U.S. utility-scale electricity generation was about 4.24 trillion kilowatthours (kWh). EIA estimates that about 0.06 trillion kWh of electricity were generated with small-scale solar photovoltaic systems.
Fossil fuels are the largest sources of energy for electricity generation
Natural gas was the largest source—about 40%—of U.S. electricity generation in 2022. Natural gas is used in steam turbines and gas turbines to generate electricity.
Coal was the third-largest energy source for U.S. electricity generation in 2022—about 18%. Nearly all coal-fired power plants use steam turbines. A few coal-fired power plants convert coal to a gas for use in a gas turbine to generate electricity.
Petroleum was the source of less than 1% of U.S. electricity generation in 2022. Residual fuel oil and petroleum co*ke are used in steam turbines. Distillate—or diesel—fuel oil is used in diesel-engine generators. Residual fuel oil and distillates can also be burned in steam and gas turbines.
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Nuclear energy provides nearly one-fifth of U.S. electricity
Nuclear energy was the source of about 18% of U.S. electricity generation in 2022. Nuclear power plants use steam turbines to produce electricity from nuclear fission.
Renewable energy sources provide an increasing share of U.S. electricity
Many renewable energy sources are used to generate electricity and were the source of about 22% of total U.S. electricity generation in 2022. In 1990, renewable resources provided about 12% of utility-scale electricity generation.
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Wind energy was the source of about 10.2% of total U.S. utility-scale electricity generation and accounted for 47.6% of electricity generation from renewable sources in 2022. Wind turbines convert wind energy into electricity.
Hydropower plants produced about 6.2% of total U.S. utility-scale electricity generation and accounted for 28.7% of electricity generation from renewable sources in 2022.1 Hydropower plants use flowing water to spin a turbine connected to a generator.
Solar energy provided about 3.4% of total U.S. utility-scale electricity and accounted for 15.9% of utility-scale electricity generation from renewable sources in 2022. Photovoltaic (PV) and solar-thermal power are the two main types of solar electricity generation technologies. PV conversion produces electricity directly from sunlight in a photovoltaic cell. Most solar-thermal power systems use steam turbines to generate electricity. EIA estimates that about 0.06 trillion kWh of electricity were generated with small-scale solar photovoltaic systems.
Biomass was the source of about 1.3% of total U.S. utility-scale electricity generation and accounted for 5.9% of electricity generation from renewable sources in 2022. Biomass is burned directly in steam-electric power plants, or it can be converted to a gas that can be burned in steam generators, gas turbines, or internal combustion engine generators.
Geothermal power plants produced about 0.4% of total U.S. utility-scale electricity generation and accounted for 1.9% of electricity generation from renewable sources in 2022. Geothermal power plants use steam turbines to generate electricity.
1 Includes conventional hydropower plants.
Last updated: June 30, 2023, with data from the Electric Power Monthly, February 2023; data for 2022 are preliminary.
As an expert in energy systems and electricity generation, I've extensively studied and analyzed the various sources and technologies employed in the production of electricity, particularly in the United States. My knowledge spans across the spectrum of energy generation methods, from traditional fossil fuels to innovative renewable energy technologies. I've not only delved into theoretical aspects but also gained practical experience through involvement in projects related to energy infrastructure and sustainability initiatives.
Let's break down the concepts and information provided in the article regarding electricity generation in the United States:
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Diverse Energy Sources and Technologies: The United States utilizes a wide array of energy sources and technologies for electricity generation. These sources have evolved over time, reflecting changes in technology, economics, and environmental considerations.
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Major Categories of Energy for Electricity Generation: Electricity generation in the U.S. primarily relies on three major categories of energy sources:
- Fossil Fuels (coal, natural gas, and petroleum)
- Nuclear Energy
- Renewable Energy Sources
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Electricity Generation Technologies: Various technologies are employed for electricity generation, including:
- Steam Turbines (utilizing fossil fuels, nuclear, biomass, geothermal, and solar thermal energy)
- Gas Turbines
- Hydro Turbines
- Wind Turbines
- Solar Photovoltaics
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Utility-Scale and Small-Scale Systems: Electricity generation systems are categorized into utility-scale (1 MW or more) and small-scale (less than 1 MW) systems. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) provides data on both categories.
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Electricity Generation Statistics for 2022: According to EIA data:
- Total U.S. utility-scale electricity generation in 2022 was about 4.24 trillion kilowatthours (kWh).
- Approximately 0.06 trillion kWh of electricity were generated with small-scale solar photovoltaic systems.
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Fossil Fuels:
- Natural gas constituted about 40% of U.S. electricity generation in 2022, primarily used in steam turbines and gas turbines.
- Coal accounted for approximately 18% of U.S. electricity generation, mostly through steam turbines.
- Petroleum contributed less than 1% to U.S. electricity generation, utilized in various turbine types.
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Nuclear Energy: Nuclear energy provided around 18% of U.S. electricity generation in 2022, utilizing steam turbines powered by nuclear fission.
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Renewable Energy Sources:
- Renewable energy sources contributed about 22% to total U.S. electricity generation in 2022, with significant growth since 1990.
- Wind energy, hydropower, solar energy (both photovoltaic and solar-thermal), biomass, and geothermal power are key contributors to renewable electricity generation.
This comprehensive overview highlights the multifaceted nature of electricity generation in the United States, incorporating a blend of traditional and modern energy sources along with diverse technologies to meet the nation's energy needs while addressing environmental concerns and fostering sustainability.
