FPN05-65
Fossil Fuels Lead Energy Growth
August 31, 2005
According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total U. S.
energy consumption grew nearly 2% in 2004, to 100.3 quadrillion Btu.
Petroleum and natural gas supplied most of the increase, the EIA reported.
The use of so-called "renewable" energy sources grew by less than 1% in
total, despite robust growth in the use of wind energy and ethanol.
Renewable-generated electricity actually fell 1%, even with a 27% increase
in wind power. If hydropower is excluded, renewable power provides 2% of
U.S. electricity needs, the EIA reported. Wind power accounts for 0.36% of
the electricity mix.
Of the total 100 Quadrillion Btu, petroleum contributed 40%, natural gas
and coal each provided 23%, nuclear energy contributed 8% hydroelectric and
biomass each provided about 2.76%, geothermal contributed about 0.36%, wind
provided about 0.12% and solar provided about 0.06%
The EIA report, "Renewable Energy Trends 2004," is available at
http://www.eia.doe.gov.