Approximately 4934 trillion cubic feet of gas have been produced globally since 1900, with the United States contributing around 30%. Texas and Louisiana account for over half of US natural gas production. The introduction of fracking led to a significant increase in production, making the US a major exporter.
Hydropower plants utilize different technologies to generate electricity. Impoundment facilities use a dam to create a reservoir, releasing water through turbines. Run-of-river plants channel river water to generate power while pumped storage hydropower stores energy by moving water between reservoirs of different elevations. Each technology has its advantages and impacts on the environment and infrastructure.
Natural gas, once a byproduct, now comprises a quarter of global energy. Advancements in infrastructure and technology, along with increasing demand, have propelled its rise. However, its contributions to greenhouse gases and geopolitical tensions present challenges for sustainability and climate change goals.
Biomass generates electricity, or biopower, from sources like wood, agricultural residues, and urban waste. In the US, it accounts for 1.2% of electricity.
Pumped storage plants for hydroelectric power in the United States were primarily built between 1960 and 1990. There have been no new projects since 2012, but three new ones have been proposed, potentially adding 2.6 GW to the existing 22 GW capacity. The largest facility is the Bath County Pumped Storage Station in Virginia, with 2.9 GW.
Coal, oil, and natural gas have played major roles in U.S. industrialization and energy. Coal dominated in the 20th century, but oil and natural gas gained prominence after World War II. Fracking revitalized oil and gas production, leading to major shifts in fossil fuel production and investment trends.
The use of coal has a long history, from its early adoption in Ancient China to the pivotal role it played in the Industrial Revolution and global energy systems. While some countries are moving away from coal due to environmental concerns, it remains a significant part of the energy landscape.
Coal played a significant role in the US, generating half of the nation’s electricity in 1920 and maintaining that share for decades. However, aging coal plants are being retired due to competition from efficient natural gas and renewable energy sources, as well as state climate policies. This shift reflects growing concerns about cost and carbon emissions.
In the United States, geothermal power plants are predominantly located in six western states due to significant tectonic activity. In 2022, California housed 72% of this capacity, generating 6% of its electricity from geothermal power. The Geysers project in northern California is the world’s largest geothermal array.
Utility-scale battery storage (BESS) systems store and distribute large-scale electricity and are crucial for renewable energy integration. Since the mid-2000s, about 460 such systems were built in the U.S., the largest being the 409 MW Manatee Energy Storage Center.