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No individual fuel is capable of providing the energy to meet all of our nation's electricity demands. That's because certain fuels in the electricity generation mix are better suited than others for particular applications. A variety of fuels—as well as increasingly more cost-effective and efficient ways to use and conserve energy—is needed.
Fuel diversity is key to affordable and reliable electricity. A diverse fuel mix protects electric companies and consumers from contingencies such as fuel unavailability, price fluctuations, and changes in regulatory practices.
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Current Electric
Generation Mix
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Fuels and Technologies
Electric generators need access to a diverse fuel supply to meet our nation's increasing demand for electricity. According to the Energy Information Administration's (EIA's) Annual Energy Outlook 2008, electricity consumption is expected to increase at least 30 percent by 2030. EIA estimates 240 gigawatts (GW) of new capacity will be needed by 2030.
The development of innovative technologies will allow electric utilities to provide reliable and affordable electricity while generating fewer emissions. In 2007, coal-based electricity accounted for nearly half of all electricity generated in the United States, with natural gas and nuclear fuel sources generating almost 40 percent.
Learn about the many different fuels that can be used to generate electricity, as well as the technologies designed or being developed to produce energy efficiently and reduce potentially harmful emissions.
Additional Resources
Learn more about the generation of electricity and the environment.
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