United States – Page 3 – Visualizing Energy

Watch the history of solar power in the United States

October 9, 2023

In 2022, the United States saw a significant rise in solar power generation, with 5730 utility-scale solar PV plants and 13 solar thermal plants producing 146 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity, equal to 3.4% of total utility-scale generation. This growth traces back to the 2000s, marked by falling solar system costs, enhanced efficiency, and government incentives like the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Watch the history of oil power plants in the United States

September 25, 2023

In 2022, the US had about 4,000 petroleum-burning generators, providing only 0.6% of the nation’s electricity due to lower efficiency and higher costs than alternatives. These smaller generators are mainly used for peak power and emergency backup, with policies since 1978 discouraging their use to reduce oil dependence for national security.

The history of coal production in the United States

September 18, 2023

Coal has played a pivotal role in the United States’ industrial history, fueling steel production, electricity generation, and economic growth in the early 20th century. However, this legacy also comes with significant environmental and health issues, including miner health problems, landscape degradation, abandoned mines, and pollution.

Four million wells and counting: the history of oil and gas drilling in the U.S.

September 4, 2023

Since the first successful oil well in 1859, the U.S. has drilled millions of wells for oil and gas. Drilling surged with demand, technology, and geopolitics, with notable periods like the post-WWII boom and the fracking-driven increase in natural gas wells. This progress has brought economic benefits and energy shifts, yet also raised environmental and social concerns.

Power plant efficiency since 1900

July 24, 2023

The efficiency of a thermal power plant is the ratio of the electricity output to the energy input, taking into account the heat losses. Over the years, the average efficiency of thermal power plants using fossil fuels in the United States has significantly increased, from 4% in 1900 to 43% in 2023. This improvement is attributed to reducing heat loss in the three main energy conversion processes: fuel combustion, steam generation, and electricity generation.

Where in the United States is the net carbon benefit of direct air capture the greatest?

March 20, 2023

Direct Air Capture and Storage (DACCS) systems, which remove CO2 from the atmosphere, offer a significant carbon benefit depending on the energy mix of the regional grid. The greatest carbon benefit is achieved when DAC processes utilize zero-carbon sources like renewables and nuclear power. The ongoing decarbonization of the grid in most regions of the United States supports the effectiveness of DAC and electrification technologies.

United States electricity history in four charts

February 21, 2023

Electricity in the United States has seen remarkable growth, with a significant shift from coal to renewable energy sources. Government policies and technological advancements have played a crucial role in shaping the energy landscape. President Biden’s goal of achieving 100% carbon-free electricity by 2035 highlights the need for continued progress in policy, technology, and public perception.

United States energy history in two charts

February 20, 2023

The United States has experienced a substantial increase in energy consumption over time, driven by factors like population growth and technological advancements. The transition from forests to coal, followed by oil and natural gas, has shaped the country’s energy sources. However, fossil fuels still dominate energy use, highlighting the need for a rapid shift towards renewable and low-carbon alternatives.

Will the Inflation Reduction Act enable the United States to meet its climate targets?

November 9, 2022

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is the largest-ever federal program focused on energy and the environment, allocating $369 billion over a decade. With a laser focus on climate change, the IRA aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions, promote clean energy, and enhance climate resilience. Its provisions have the potential to create jobs, lower electricity costs, and significantly contribute to meeting the US climate targets.

Tag: United States