250 years of U.S. energy consumption: From wood to renewables and hydrocarbons

Summary

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) provides a comprehensive analysis of 250 years of American energy consumption, tracing the evolution from wood and biomass in the 18th-19th centuries through coal's rise during industrialization, the petroleum and natural gas dominance of the 20th century, to the modern mix including nuclear and renewables. In 2025, total U.S. energy consumption reached 96 quadrillion BTUs (quads), up 2% from 2024 but below the 2007 record of 99 quads. Petroleum remained the most-used source, followed closely by natural gas, while renewables, coal, and nuclear each contributed roughly 9% of the total. The analysis highlights the ongoing energy transition and shifting fuel shares over centuries.

Source

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