Some Perspective on Energy Use

by Jeffrey Tucker, Mises Economics Blog
Jul. 12, 2010

The AIER offers the follows (via email):

The following breakout shows U.S. energy use by source:

TRANSPORTATION: 27.8 percent of total U.S. energy use.

95 percent from petroleum;
2 percent from natural gas;
3 percent from renewable energy.
INDUSTRIAL: 20.6 percent of total U.S. energy use.

42 percent from petroleum;
40 percent from natural gas;
9 percent from coal;
10 percent from renewable energy, mostly hydroelectric.
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL: 10.8 percent of total energy use.

16 percent from petroleum;
76 percent from natural gas;
1 percent from coal;
1 percent from renewable.
ELECTRIC POWER: 40.1 percent of total U.S. energy use.

1 percent from petroleum;
17 percent from natural gas;
51 percent from coal;
9 percent from hydro and other renewable sources;
21 percent from nuclear power.

It seems like fossil fuels are the peoples’ choice, despite all the yammering about the glories of everything else. And, by the way, what is this impression that we get that renewable energy is somehow natural and earth friendly whereas everything else is artificial and dangerous? Coal (and there’s plenty of it) and oil (and there’s plenty of it) are as natural as wind and water.

(Sadly and strangely, the AIER will not give away its reports: this link asks for $39 to access it)