11 FACTS About ENERGY

The top 11 facts about energy you need are provided below. The sources of the information are located at the bottom of this page. When you have learned something, take action! Learn how to do something about it here.

1. In the U.S. The major energy sources in the U.S. include natural gas, petroleum oil, coal, nuclear, and renewable energy sources. Electricity is a secondary energy source that is generated by these forms of energy.
2. Districts of K-12 schools in the U.S. invest $6 billion a year in energy. It’s more than they pay for textbooks and computers. “Energy vampires” are devices made of electronics that consume energy every time connected, even when turned off. Visit your school and turn off energy vampires. Register for Don’t Be a Scammer! 
3. In 2011 the U.S. utilized 97.5 Quadrillion British thermal units (Btu) of energy. The three main sources of energy: natural gas, petroleum, and coal, were among the three most consumed fuels. 
4. Nuclear energy played almost any role in electricity generation fifty years ago. In 2011 it supplied more than 20 percent of the energy required for the generation of electricity in America.
5. Petroleum oil was the source of 18% of the energy required for electricity in 1973. It was less than one percent during 2011. 
6. In the U.S., electricity generators use more than 90 small tons of coal to generate 40% of the electricity in America each year. 
7. The combustion of coal releases sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, carbon dioxide, heavy metals, and acid gases connected to acid rain and global warming, smog, and health concerns.
8. In 2011 coal was the second leading cause of carbon emissions from energy sources. Petroleum came first with 42% of the carbon dioxide emissions, then coal at 34% and natural gas produced 24% of carbon dioxide from energy-related sources. 
9. Although switching from coal to natural gas can immediately improve air quality and cost advantages, there is increasing evidence that the overreliance on natural gas could pose a serious risk to customers, economics, and the environment.
10. Energy efficiency initiatives for residential homes can save homeowners money as well as reduce the greenhouse gases that are released. In the United States, the residential sector accounts for 17 percent of the total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. 
11. If we achieve this energy-efficiency America strives for to achieve, US CO2 emissions will fall by 4 billion tonnes.

Also, read 25 Fun Facts About Aluminum