West Virginia’ s Evolving Energy Landscape
KENZIE DYE
West Virginia’ s energy consumption has evolved significantly over the past 40 years. Across residential, commercial and industrial sectors, usage has increased, reflecting the state’ s reliance on traditional energy sources while also recognizing emerging challenges and opportunities.
The state’ s change in energy consumption is comparable with national trends.
ANNUAL U. S. ENERGY CONSUMPTION( 1776-2023)
Quadrillion British thermal units 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0
energy source
( 2023 percentage of total) petroleum
( 37.9 %)
Coal surpasses wood around 1885.
1776 1850 1900 1950 2020
natural gas
( 35.9 %) renewables
( 8.8 %) coal
( 8.7 %) nuclear
( 8.7 %)
Data source: U. S. Energy Information Administration, Monthly Energy Review. Pre-1949 data based on Energy in the American Economy, 1850-1975: Its History and Prospects and U. S. Department of Agriculture Circular No. 641, Fuel Wood Used in the United States 1630-1930 Note: Data use captured energy approach to account for wind, hydro, solar, and geothermal.
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