Course: GFM 102 Technical Aspects of Energy, Resources & Conservation

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Energy In Brief Articles

Energy in Brief

What are the major sources and users of energy in the United States?

The major energy sources in the United States are petroleum (oil), natural gas, coal, nuclear, and renewable energy. The major users are residential and commercial buildings, industry, transportation, and electric power generation. The pattern of fuel use varies widely by sector. For example, oil provides 93% of the energy used for transportation, but only 1% of the energy used to generate electric power.

How can we compare or add up our energy consumption?

To compare our aggregate energy consumption across different energy sources like oil, natural gas, and electricity, we must use a common unit of measure. This is similar to calculating your food energy intake by adding up the calories in whatever you eat.

Energy Explained

How We Use Energy?

The United States is a highly developed and industrialized society. We use a lot of energy in our homes, in businesses, in industry, and for personal travel and transporting goods.