The United States produced more energy in 2024 than any year in its history, with renewables and cleaner fuels leading the way, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Total U.S. energy output reached over 103 quadrillion British thermal units (Btu), a 1% rise from 2023’s record.
While natural gas remained the dominant source—accounting for 38% of total production—solar, wind and biofuels also hit record levels, signalling a positive shift in the energy mix.
Domestic crude oil, largely from the Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico, made up 27% of total output, with production climbing to 13.2 million barrels per day.
Meanwhile, natural gas plant liquids (NGPL), including ethane and propane, reached a record 4 trillion cubic feet, now representing 9% of U.S. energy production.
Despite this growth, coal production hit its lowest annual total since 1964, falling to 512 million short tons and comprising just 10% of the energy mix—underscoring a continuing decline in fossil fuel dependence.
Renewables showed robust gains.
Biofuels surged to 1.4 million barrels per day—up 6% from 2023—while solar and wind expanded by 25% and 8% respectively as new projects came online.
Hydropower and nuclear remained steady or dipped slightly, while geothermal output declined marginally.
This shift towards cleaner sources strengthens the U.S. pathway to reducing emissions while meeting energy demand.
The conversion of various fuels into Btu helps ensure transparent comparisons across a complex energy landscape.
