By far the largest share of energy in transportation is consumed by cars, light trucks, and motorcycles—about 58% in 2012, followed by other trucks (21%), aircraft (9%), boats and ships (3%), and trains and buses (3%). Pipelines account for 3% and military uses for 2%.

By far the largest share of energy in transportation is consumed by cars, light trucks, and motorcycles—about 58% in 2012, followed by other trucks (21%), aircraft (9%), boats and ships (3%), and trains and buses (3%). Pipelines account for 3% and military uses for 2%.

By far the largest share of energy in transportation is consumed by cars, light trucks, and motorcycles—about 58% in 2012, followed by other trucks (21%), aircraft (9%), boats and ships (3%), and trains and buses (3%). Pipelines account for 3% and military uses for 2%.

By far the largest share of energy in transportation is consumed by cars, light trucks, and motorcycles—about 58% in 2012, followed by other trucks (21%), aircraft (9%), boats and ships (3%), and trains and buses (3%). Pipelines account for 3% and military uses for 2%.

Increasing market share of compact fluorescents was primarily responsible for the increased lighting efficiency between 2001 and 2010.

Increasing market share of compact fluorescents was primarily responsible for the increased lighting efficiency between 2001 and 2010.

Increasing market share of compact fluorescents was primarily responsible for the increased lighting efficiency between 2001 and 2010.

Most direct uses of primary energy are limited to generating heat and motion. Electricity, by contrast, is extremely versatile, with a wide range of complex applications. 

Most direct uses of primary energy are limited to generating heat and motion. Electricity, by contrast, is extremely versatile, with a wide range of complex applications. 

The national average is around 1.5 million gallons per well , according to the EPA.

The national average is around 1.5 million gallons per well , according to the EPA.

The national average is around 1.5 million gallons per well , according to the EPA.

Energy intensity is a measure of a nation's energy efficiency represented through energy use per unit of GDP (Gross Domestic Product).

Energy intensity is a measure of a nation's energy efficiency represented through energy use per unit of GDP (Gross Domestic Product).

On average, a typical coal-burning power plant in 2013 was about 33% efficient in converting heat energy into electrical power. A gas-fired plant was about 42% efficient. And in natural gas combined-cycle power plants—in which waste heat from a natural gas turbine is used to power a steam turbine—generation may be as much as 60% efficient.

On average, a typical coal-burning power plant in 2013 was about 33% efficient in converting heat energy into electrical power. A gas-fired plant was about 42% efficient. And in natural gas combined-cycle power plants—in which waste heat from a natural gas turbine is used to power a steam turbine—generation may be as much as 60% efficient.

As of 2014, total world consumption was approximately 92 million barrels per day, about 19 million or 21% of which were used by the United States.

As of 2014, total world consumption was approximately 92 million barrels per day, about 19 million or 21% of which were used by the United States.

As of 2014, total world consumption was approximately 92 million barrels per day, about 19 million or 21% of which were used by the United States.

Carbon capture and storage will reduce energy efficiency of a coal plant, though it will decrease carbon emissions.

New technologies for drilling have led to increases in supply of oil in the U.S. in the decade up to 2014.

New technologies for drilling have led to increases in supply of oil in the U.S. in the decade up to 2014.

New technologies for drilling have led to increases in supply of oil in the U.S. in the decade up to 2014.

New technologies for drilling have led to increases in supply of oil in the U.S. in the decade up to 2014.