Geoscience FAQ
How much U.S. electricity is generated from renewable energy?
Information preserved from U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Renewable energy sources provided 17% of U.S. electricity generation in 2017. Most of this was in the form of hydro and wind power.
Learn More
- Renewable Energy Production and Consumption by Primary Energy Source, 1949– 2012 (Data), Energy Information Administration
Data on renewable energy production and consumption for hydroelectric, geothermal, solar, wind, and biomass energy sources.
- 2015 Renewable Energy Data Book (Report), Department of Energy
Report on the state of renewable energy in the United States and worldwide, with lots of data, maps, and charts for each renewable energy source.
Explore Related FAQs
How much of world energy consumption and electricity generation is from renewable energy?
American Geosciences Institute
Open FAQWhat are the advantages and disadvantages of offshore wind farms?
American Geosciences Institute
Open FAQWhat are the major sources and users of energy in the United States?
U.S. Energy Information Administration
Open FAQWhat is renewable natural gas?
American Geosciences Institute
Open FAQWhy is geothermal energy a renewable resource? Can it be depleted?
Drew L. Siler, PhD, Geothermal Geologist
Open FAQExplore Geoscience Intersections
Browse related geoscience intersections pages connected to the topics covered in this FAQ.
Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy is harvested by drilling into underground reservoirs of steam or water heated by the Earth. While western states like California and Nevada lead the country in geothermal energy production, emerging technologies may make it possible to extract geothermal energy throughout the United States.
Learn more
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy comes from sources that are constantly replenished, like running water, the heat of the Earth, the Sun's light, or wind. Renewables account for around 11% of U.S. energy consumption and 17% of electricity production.
Learn more