America’s Power Shift: From Coal to What? (1950–2024)

This chart uses data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration to show how energy generation in the country has shifted since 1950. 🏭⁠🔋⚡ 

Key Takeaways

• Natural gas has seen the most dramatic rise—growing from just 6 quadrillion BTUs in 1950 to 39 in 2024. It is now the main source of energy in the U.S., ahead of coal and oil.
• Coal peaked between 2000 and 2005 at 23 quadrillion BTUs but has since declined sharply, falling to just 11 in 2024. 
• Renewables like wind and solar, though smaller in absolute terms, have steadily grown since 2005.

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