19% of our electricity was generated  by nuclear fuel in 2013. 

19% of our electricity was generated  by nuclear fuel in 2013. 

19% of our electricity was generated  by nuclear fuel in 2013. 

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.

For decades, more than half of all residential energy use went  to space heating and cooling; in 1993, it accounted for nearly 60%. But EIA data show that by 2009, that share had dropped to 48%. And in the period 1993 to 2009, energy for appliances, electronics, and lighting rose from 24% to 35%, owing to the proliferation of appliances, as well as trends toward larger TVs and other devices.

Biofuels contain carbon and although they may burn “cleaner” than oil-derived fuels, they do not avoid generating carbon dioxide emissions.

Consuming the largest amount of energy, space heating accounts for 31% of all residential energy used. Space cooling accounts for an additional 12% of energy usage.

Consuming the largest amount of energy, space heating accounts for 31% of all residential energy used. Space cooling accounts for an additional 12% of energy usage.

Consuming the largest amount of energy, space heating accounts for 31% of all residential energy used. Space cooling accounts for an additional 12% of energy usage.

All of the reasons mentioned are considered obstacles to producing cars that run on hydrogen fuel cells.

All of the reasons mentioned are considered obstacles to producing cars that run on hydrogen fuel cells.

All of the reasons mentioned are considered obstacles to producing cars that run on hydrogen fuel cells.

The United States emits about 18% of the world’s greenhouse gases, behind only China, which accounts for approximately one-quarter of total global emissions. 

The United States emits about 18% of the world’s greenhouse gases, behind only China, which accounts for approximately one-quarter of total global emissions. 

The United States emits about 18% of the world’s greenhouse gases, behind only China, which accounts for approximately one-quarter of total global emissions. 

U.S. energy consumption was about 98 quads in 2014.

U.S. energy consumption was about 98 quads in 2014.

U.S. energy consumption was about 98 quads in 2014.

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.