Wind continues to lead the shift to renewable energy

The landscape of energy consumption in the United States is undergoing a notable transformation, emphasizing a pivot toward non-fossil fuel sources. In 2022, renewable and nuclear sources jointly contributed to 21% of the nation's energy consumption, marking a shared peak since the early 20th century. This rise reflects a 3% increase in total primary energy use from the previous year, totaling 100.4 quadrillion British thermal units (quads).

Wind energy, leading the renewables charge, maintained its status as the largest renewable energy source, thanks to significant investments and technological advancements in wind turbines. This growth is part of a broader increase in renewable energy consumption, which climbed to a record 13.2 quads in 2022. The trend is largely driven by the increasing use of renewables for electricity generation, with wind and solar energy at the forefront.

Meanwhile, fossil fuel reliance continues but shows signs of a gradual shift. Petroleum remains a dominant energy source, especially in transportation, although electric vehicle adoption is growing. Natural gas hit record consumption levels due to its significant role in electricity generation. Conversely, coal consumption dropped to near-historic lows, reflecting a broader move away from coal-powered energy.

These figures underscore a critical transition period in the U.S. energy landscape, reflecting national efforts to embrace cleaner, more sustainable power sources while navigating the challenges of a changing energy economy.