Ameer Randolph
Fossil fuels have dominated the energy mix in the US for over a century. In 2023, fossil fuels—petroleum, natural gas, and coal—accounted for about 84% of total US primary energy production. However, the mix has changed over time, with oil and gas growing quickly and coal consumption falling in many parts of the world. The US has made progress in scaling up renewable energy sources, and in 2023, renewable energy sources accounted for about 21% of US electricity generation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of global energy mix in 2023 | 82% |
| Percentage of U.S. energy production in 2023 | 84% |
| Percentage of U.S. electricity generation in 2023 | 60% |
| Percentage of U.S. energy consumption in 2019 | 80% |
| Percentage of U.S. energy consumption in 2020 | 81% |
| Percentage of U.S. electricity generation in 2020 | 61% |
| Percentage of U.S. energy consumption in 2023 | 62% |
| Percentage of U.S. federal subsidies received | 20 billion dollars |
| Major sources | Petroleum, natural gas, coal |
| Negative impacts | Air pollution, water pollution, climate change, health issues |
| Positive impacts | Transportation, electricity, industrial processes, heating |
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What You'll Learn
Fossil fuel consumption by country
Fossil fuels—oil, coal, and gas—remain the primary energy source worldwide, despite the increasing popularity of renewable energy. In 2017, 81% of the world's energy consumption came from these fuels, a figure that decreased only slightly to 81.5% in 2022. According to the United Nations, fossil fuels account for over 90% of carbon dioxide emissions, which cause global warming. Therefore, countries with high consumption rates must take immediate action to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
The top three countries dominating the fossil fuel consumption list are China, the United States, and India, which together account for almost half (47%) of global fossil fuel consumption. In 2023, China consumed 140 exajoules of fossil fuels, the U.S. consumed 76 exajoules, and India, 35 exajoules. The U.S. is the largest oil consumer, with over 19.1 million barrels consumed per day in 2022, and it also consumed 32.2 trillion cubic feet of natural gas that year. China remains the largest coal consumer, accounting for 56% of global consumption in 2023.
Other countries with high fossil fuel consumption rates include Japan, which ranked fifth in global fossil fuel consumption in 2022, and Russia, which consumed 3.67 million barrels of oil daily in 2021, accounting for 4% of the world's total consumption. Russia is also one of the largest consumers of natural gas, with 408 billion cubic meters consumed in 2022. Korea is another country where oil is the primary energy source, importing 960 million barrels of crude oil in 2021. In the same year, Korea imported around 126 million tons of coal and was the third-largest LNG importer globally.
Some countries with high per capita fossil fuel consumption rates include Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Singapore, Qatar, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait. These countries consume 10 or more tons of fossil fuels per person annually, with Equatorial Guinea leading at 18 metric tons per person per year. It is worth noting that many of these countries are also significant fossil fuel producers.
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Fossil fuel production by country
Fossil fuel production varies significantly by country and is dependent on various factors, including natural resource availability, energy consumption, and economic growth. Here is an overview of fossil fuel production by country, focusing on oil, coal, and natural gas:
United States
The United States is a dominant player in global fossil fuel production. In 2023, the US led the world in oil production for the sixth consecutive year, with shale oil fracking significantly increasing the country's output since 2010. Texas and Pennsylvania are major gas-producing states, contributing 47% of the country's gas production. The US also holds substantial coal reserves and was the third-largest crude oil producer in 2021, extracting 711 million tonnes of oil. Overall, the US contributes to approximately 20% of global fossil fuel production.
Russia
Russia is another leading producer of fossil fuels, ranking second globally. It is a significant exporter of natural gas, with an estimated 210 billion cubic meters exported in 2021, mainly to Europe and China. Around 80% of Russia's natural gas originates from operations in the Arctic region. Russia was also among the top three crude oil producers in 2021.
China
China has a complex relationship with coal. While coal's share in China's energy mix has decreased over the years, from 70% in 2011 to 59% in 2018, the country's rapid economic growth has resulted in an overall steady coal consumption. China's production of coal has slightly increased during this period.
OPEC Countries
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), including Saudi Arabia, plays a significant role in global oil production. OPEC members accounted for approximately 35% of world oil production in 2023, with Saudi Arabia being a prominent crude oil producer.
Other Notable Countries
Indonesia is the world's largest coal exporter, followed by Australia. India is the second-largest producer and consumer of coal. Canada is also a significant contributor to global fossil fuel production, producing just under 5% of the world's fossil fuels.
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Fossil fuel consumption trends
Fossil fuel consumption has increased significantly over the past half-century, with consumption increasing eight-fold since 1950 and roughly doubling since 1980. The types of fuel relied on have shifted from solely coal towards a combination of oil and gas.
In 2023, fossil fuels accounted for 82% of the global energy mix, with oil and coal dominating the energy consumption. Oil consumption is driven by the transportation sector, which accounts for most oil use. Oil is also a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, with oil combustion responsible for 45% of US energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in 2020.
Despite the overall increase in fossil fuel consumption, there are signs that consumption trends are changing. In 2020, renewable energy accounted for about 20% of US electricity generation, and coal's share of US energy consumption has been steadily decreasing, dropping to 19% in 2020. This decrease in coal usage has led to a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, with a 50% decrease in emissions from coal in the US between 2007 and 2019.
The future of oil consumption is uncertain as economies move towards sustainable renewable energy sources. The share of renewable energy in the global energy mix is increasing, and renewables are on track to become a cheaper source of energy than fossil fuels. However, global primary energy consumption hit a record high in 2023, driven by a spike in energy demand, particularly in the Global South.
To transition away from fossil fuels, several options exist, including hydropower, biomass, wind, geothermal, and solar energy. Nuclear energy is another alternative, but it is expensive and produces radioactive waste. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology can also help to reduce carbon emissions from fossil fuels, but it should not be used as an excuse to continue burning fossil fuels unabated, as they release other harmful pollutants.
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Fossil fuel production trends
Fossil fuels have been the primary source of energy for over 150 years, powering economies and industries worldwide. However, the production and consumption trends of fossil fuels are changing as the world transitions to cleaner energy sources. This shift is driven by the need to address climate change and reduce the environmental and health impacts associated with fossil fuel usage.
Coal Production Trends
Coal has been a critical energy source for centuries, but its contribution to the global energy mix is declining. In the United States, coal's share of total energy consumption has decreased significantly, from about 37% in 1950 to 9% in 2023. Coal production in the US fell to its lowest level in 2020 since 1964, but it is expected to increase slightly in 2022 and 2023 due to rising natural gas prices and increased demand from the electric power sector. However, as the costs of natural gas and renewable energy continue to drop, coal is becoming less competitive, and its consumption is predicted to decline further by 2050.
Oil Production Trends
Oil, or petroleum, has been a major component of US energy consumption, constituting about one-third of its energy mix. While annual crude oil production decreased between 1970 and 2008, it reversed after 2009, reaching a record high in 2019 due to improved drilling technologies. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a temporary dip in oil production and consumption, but they are expected to rebound to pre-pandemic levels. However, the long-term future of oil is uncertain as countries move towards sustainable renewable energy sources.
Natural Gas Production Trends
Natural gas is the second-largest source of electricity production globally and is increasingly favoured over coal due to its lower CO2 emissions. In the US, natural gas accounted for the largest share of fossil fuel production in 2021, and its production is expected to continue rising in 2022 and 2023. This growth is attributed to improved drilling efficiency and new-well production.
Renewable Energy Trends
Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydropower, biomass, and geothermal energy, are gaining traction in the US energy mix. In 2020, renewable energy accounted for about 20% of US electricity generation, and this share is projected to grow. The transition to renewable energy is crucial for reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change, with countries aiming for net-zero emissions by 2040-2050.
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Fossil fuel consumption and production outlook
Fossil fuel consumption and production have changed significantly over the past few centuries. While fossil fuels have dominated the US energy mix for over a century, the types of fuel used have shifted from solely coal towards a combination of oil and gas. In 2023, fossil fuels accounted for about 84% of total US primary energy production.
However, US consumption of coal, the cheapest and dirtiest fossil fuel, has halved in the last decade, leading to a significant decrease in CO2 emissions. This decrease is due to the substitution of coal with natural gas in the electricity mix, as well as the increasing use of renewable energy sources. In 2020, renewable energy accounted for about 20% of US electricity generation, and this share is expected to continue growing.
Despite the shift towards renewable energy, oil and gas consumption is still growing quickly. Oil constitutes about one-third of US energy consumption, with the transportation sector accounting for most of this. Oil combustion was responsible for 45% of US energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in 2020.
Looking forward, the future of oil is uncertain as economies move towards sustainable renewable energy. The Energy Information Administration's 2021 Energy Outlook predicts that US coal consumption will continue to decline between now and 2050. However, natural gas is projected to meet an increasing share of US energy demand, particularly in the industrial sector.
To reduce the environmental and health impacts of fossil fuels, there is a growing movement towards ending their use in favour of renewable and sustainable energy. The IEA forecasts $2 trillion in clean energy technologies and infrastructure investments in 2024, nearly double the amount going to fossil fuels. The Group of Seven has also reached an agreement to exit coal in the first half of the 2030s, marking a significant step towards transitioning away from fossil fuels.
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Frequently asked questions
Fossil fuels—petroleum, natural gas, and coal—accounted for about 84% of total US primary energy production in 2023.
Fossil fuel consumption varies by state, but in 2023, fossil fuels accounted for about 84% of total US primary energy production.
The sources of fossil fuel energy in the US include coal, oil, and natural gas.
The US is the third-largest consumer of coal in the world, but its consumption has halved in the last decade. In 2023, the US consumed about 94 quadrillion British thermal units (Btu) of primary energy, including fossil fuels.
Fossil fuel consumption has several negative impacts. When burned, they produce carbon dioxide (CO2) and are the largest driver of global climate change. They are also a major contributor to local air pollution, which is estimated to cause millions of premature deaths each year.
