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Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Monthly Energy Review. Data Values: Primary Energy Consumption by Source and Estimated primary energy consumption in the United States, selected years, 1635–1945. Video: Video summary of the 250-year history of energy in the United States.
Over the 250-year history of our nation, energy consumption has evolved from wood use in the 18th and 19th centuries to today’s use of modern renewable, hydrocarbon, and nuclear technology. In 2025, total energy used in the United States was 96 quadrillion British thermal units (quads), up 2% from 2024, but below 2007’s record 99 quads. Petroleum was the most-used energy source last year, followed closely by natural gas. Use of renewable, coal, and nuclear energy each made up about 9% of total energy use.
Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Monthly Energy Review. Data Values: Primary Energy Consumption by Source and Estimated primary energy consumption in the United States, selected years, 1635–1945.
As a share of total energy consumption in the United States, wood was the most-consumed source of energy early in our history. Fossil fuels emerged as the largest share of energy, starting with the use of coal, which expanded rapidly. With the more recent emergence of nuclear power and forms of renewable energy such as wind and solar, the total share of energy generation from fossil fuels decreased. However, as of 2025, fossil fuels still accounted for the vast majority of energy consumed in the United States, accounting for 82% of energy consumed.
