Renewables and Renewable energy sources
What percentage of U.S. electricity generation did renewables account for in 2025?
24% (that’s 12% up since 1990!)
Which sources account for the highest share of primary energy production?
Natural gas (38%) and petroleum (35%)
Which meat option is the least sustainable?
Beef!
What is the most used energy source in the US?
Gasoline (52%)
What country has the largest vehicle fleet per capita?
New Zealand, with 869 vehicles per 1,000 people
The US has 860 per 1,000 people
What percentage of energy consumption do renewable sources account for in the U.S. residential sector?
5% (as of 2020)
Which sectors account for the highest share of primary energy consumption?
Electric power (35%) and transportation (30%)
Which meat option is the most sustainable?
Poultry!
How many pounds of carbon dioxide are produced from burning one gallon of fuel? (Gas and diesel)
Gas: 20 pounds
Diesel: 22 pounds
Transportation is responsible for what percentage of global GHG emissions?
17% (but 30% in the U.S.)
How many households in the U.S. have solar panels installed on their rooftops?
About 5 million, that's 7% of U.S. homes!
What percentage of U.S. electricity generation did fossil fuels account for in 2025?
~58%, natural gas being the majority
How many tons of meat are consumed annually in the United States?
11.1 million tons
What is the average annual carbon dioxide emissions from a typical passenger vehicle? (In metric tons)
4.6 metric tons
What country has the highest percentage of EV sales penetration?
Norway
By what year does California want all of its electricity to be powered by 100% renewable energy?
By 2045
What percentage of energy consumption in homes is spent on heating and air conditioning?
52%, depending on the season and location
What percentage of greenhouse gas emissions does agriculture account for?
10-11%
What percentage of the world's transportation is fueled by fossil fuels?
90%
What state has the largest light-duty vehicle fleet in the U.S.?
Wyoming (with 1,134 per 1,000 people)
How many homes does Alliant Energy (HQed in Madison) power with its solar panels?
400,000 homes!
What percentage of homes in the United States had air conditioning in 2020?
89%, that's 32% up from 1980
What agricultural activity accounts for the highest amount of N2O (nitrous oxide) emissions?
Soil management (fertilizers)
What percentage of a car's fuel actually moves the driver?
Less than 12-30%
In the U.S., what share of energy consumption do light-duty vehicles (cars, light trucks, and motorcycles) account for?
53% (as of 2022)