In-depth Analysis

July 3, 2024

Introduction

In 2023, the United States consumed 94 quadrillion British thermal units (quads) of energy, which was a 1% decrease from the previous year. Fossil fuels, including petroleum, natural gas, and coal, accounted for approximately 83% of total energy consumption, while nonfossil fuel energy from renewable sources and nuclear accounted for the remaining 17%. This article will provide an in-depth analysis of energy consumption in the United States, with a particular focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

How has energy use changed throughout U.S. history?

When the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, wood was the largest source of energy in the United States. However, coal surpassed wood as the primary energy source in the late 1800s. The use of hydropower to generate electricity began in 1880, and the first hydroelectric power plant opened in 1882. Renewable energy became more significant in recent years, with biofuels surpassing wood as the most-consumed renewable energy source in 2016. Additionally, the United States started consuming more ethanol blended with petroleum motor gasoline and renewable diesel blended with petroleum diesel in the 1980s.

Renewable Energy Consumption

Renewable energy consumption in the United States has been increasing rapidly, particularly from wind and solar sources. In 2022, renewable energy consumption surpassed nuclear energy consumption for the first time since 1984. Coal was the largest source of energy in the United States for about 65 years until it was surpassed by petroleum in 1950. Petroleum remains the most-consumed source of energy in the United States, while natural gas is the second-largest source.

How did U.S. energy consumption change in 2023?

In 2023, renewable energy consumption in the United States increased by 2% compared to the previous year, reaching a record 8.2 quads. This increase was mainly due to the higher use of biofuels in transportation and solar energy for electricity generation. However, wind consumption decreased for the first time in 25 years. Coal consumption declined to its lowest level since around 1900, while nuclear energy consumption slightly increased. Petroleum consumption remained below its peak in 2005, and natural gas consumption reached a record high due to increased use in electricity generation.

Comparing Different Types of Energy

To compare different types of energy, we use British thermal units (BTUs) as a common unit of heat. In our assessment, we changed our approach to converting electricity generated by non-combustible renewables to BTUs, which affected the comparison between renewable and coal consumption. Under the captured energy approach, renewables surpassed coal consumption in 2023 for the first time since around 1885. Previously, using the fossil fuel equivalency approach, renewables had surpassed coal consumption in 2019.

Conclusion

Energy consumption in the United States has undergone significant changes throughout history. The country has transitioned from wood to coal, and more recently, renewable energy sources have gained prominence. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) play a crucial role in promoting sustainable energy consumption and production. It is essential to continue investing in renewable energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels to achieve a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy system.

Principal contributors: Mickey Francis, Owen Comstock

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption.
   • Indicator 7.2.2: Renewable energy share in the total primary energy supply.

2. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
   • Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into their national policies, strategies, and planning.

3. SDG 15: Life on Land

   • Target 15.2: Promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests.
   • Indicator 15.2.1: Progress towards sustainable forest management.

Analysis

The article discusses the energy consumption trends in the United States and highlights the shift towards renewable energy sources. Based on this information, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

The article addresses the transition to renewable energy sources and the increase in renewable energy consumption in the United States. This aligns with SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.

• Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
• Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption.
• Indicator 7.2.2: Renewable energy share in the total primary energy supply.

The article mentions that renewable energy accounted for 17% of total U.S. energy consumption in 2023, surpassing coal for the first time in about 140 years. This progress towards increasing the share of renewable energy aligns with Target 7.2. The indicators 7.2.1 and 7.2.2 can be used to measure the progress towards this target by tracking the renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption and total primary energy supply, respectively.

2. SDG 13: Climate Action

The article discusses the increase in electricity generation from zero-carbon sources such as wind and solar, indicating a shift towards cleaner energy sources. This aligns with SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
• Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into their national policies, strategies, and planning.

The article highlights the increase in renewable energy consumption and the decrease in coal consumption, which are measures to mitigate climate change. These actions align with Target 13.2. The indicator 13.2.1 can be used to measure the progress towards this target by tracking the number of countries that have integrated climate change measures into their national policies, strategies, and planning.

3. SDG 15: Life on Land

The article briefly mentions the use of wood as a renewable energy source in the early history of the United States. This relates to SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

• Target 15.2: Promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests.
• Indicator 15.2.1: Progress towards sustainable forest management.

The use of wood as an energy source highlights the importance of sustainable forest management. Target 15.2 aims to promote the implementation of sustainable forest management practices, which can contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. The indicator 15.2.1 can be used to measure the progress towards this target by assessing the progress made in implementing sustainable forest management practices.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: eia.gov