As of 2014, the very best experimental units could convert more than 40% of light energy to electricity; ordinary commercial units are in the range of 5% to 20%. 

As of 2014, the very best experimental units could convert more than 40% of light energy to electricity; ordinary commercial units are in the range of 5% to 20%. 

As of 2014, the very best experimental units could convert more than 40% of light energy to electricity; ordinary commercial units are in the range of 5% to 20%. 

A few industries use a very large share of energy in the industrial sector. Petroleum refining is the principal consumer, with the chemical industry a close second. Those users, plus the paper and metal industries, account for 78% of total industrial energy use.

A few industries use a very large share of energy in the industrial sector. Petroleum refining is the principal consumer, with the chemical industry a close second. Those users, plus the paper and metal industries, account for 78% of total industrial energy use.

A few industries use a very large share of energy in the industrial sector. Petroleum refining is the principal consumer, with the chemical industry a close second. Those users, plus the paper and metal industries, account for 78% of total industrial energy use.

A few industries use a very large share of energy in the industrial sector. Petroleum refining is the principal consumer, with the chemical industry a close second. Those users, plus the paper and metal industries, account for 78% of total industrial energy use.

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

With less than 5% of the world's population, the United States is home to one-third of the world's automobiles.

With less than 5% of the world's population, the United States is home to one-third of the world's automobiles.

In 2014, the industrial sector represented 32% of U.S. energy use, while transportation was 28%. Residential and commercial were 22% and 19% respectively.

In 2014, the industrial sector represented 32% of U.S. energy use, while transportation was 28%. Residential and commercial were 22% and 19% respectively.

In 2014, the industrial sector represented 32% of U.S. energy use, while transportation was 28%. Residential and commercial were 22% and 19% respectively.

All of the above are emitted by vehicles running on gasoline and diesel fuel.

All of the above are emitted by vehicles running on gasoline and diesel fuel.

All of the above are emitted by vehicles running on gasoline and diesel fuel.

All of the above are emitted by vehicles running on gasoline and diesel fuel.

In 2014, about 38% of harvested corn in the US went to make ethanol and its associated coproducts

In 2014, about 38% of harvested corn in the US went to make ethanol and its associated coproducts

In 2014, about 38% of harvested corn in the US went to make ethanol and its associated coproducts

In 2014, about 38% of harvested corn in the US went to make ethanol and its associated coproducts

In 2014, about 38% of harvested corn in the US went to make ethanol and its associated coproducts

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.

In 2014, 10% of our total energy use came from renewable energy sources, such as biomass, wind, solar, and hydropower.

In 2014, 10% of our total energy use came from renewable energy sources, such as biomass, wind, solar, and hydropower.

In 2014, 10% of our total energy use came from renewable energy sources, such as biomass, wind, solar, and hydropower.