Overall net generation of electricity increased 18% from 2001 to 2023 (3.74 to 4.42 billion megawatt-hours).
October 21, 2024Overall net generation of electricity increased 18% from 2001 to 2023 (3.74 to 4.42 billion megawatt-hours). In 2001, renewable energy sources accounted for 7.8% of electricity net generation but increased to 25.7% in 2023. In the same timeframe, coal dropped from 51% to 15%. While natural gas made up for much of the decline in coal use, renewables such as wind, solar, geothermal and biomass increased as well. Fossil fuel-based sources as a whole have declined as a share of net electricity production. Lower carbon emissions from electricity production mitigates lifecycle emissions for electric vehicle manufacturing and operation.

Notes: “Petroleum” includes liquids and coke. “Natural gas” includes other gases. “Hydroelectric” includes hydroelectric pumped storage. “Other renewables” includes wind, geothermal, biomass, and solar.
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electricity Data Browser, as of June 28, 2024.