Dethroned by China in 2009 in terms of energy consumption
2010 Key Figures
Population: 313.8 million
GDP growth rate: 2.8%
Energy independence: 78%
Total consumption/GDP: 91.6 (2005=100)
CO2 Emissions: 17.1 tCO2/capita
Rate of T&D power losses: 6.2%
Since 2009, the United States has been overtaken by China as the world's largest energy consumer. The country's consumption decreased in 2008 and 2009, but in 2010 increased at the rapid rate of 3.5%, reaching 2.2 Gtoe. Per capita consumption reached 7.1 toe, including 12 000 kWh of electricity; the country consumes about twice the European average.
Oil was the main energy source in 2010, followed by gas and coal.
The consumption of oil products increased regularly between 1990 and 2005 (+1.2%/year), when it reached 890 Mt. It has decreased since then, especially in 2008 (-6%) and 2009 (-5%), but has again increased in 2010 (+2% to 780 Mt). Oil products are mainly consumed in the transport sector (67%), followed by industry (19%, including non-energy uses).
Gas consumption evolved significantly during the 90's, falling to 525 bcm 1993 before reaching 630 bcm in 2000. It has fluctuated around 640 bcm for the past several years before reaching 680 bcm in 2010. See graph
Coal consumption increased on a regular basis, by 1.3%/year, between 1990 and 2005 when it exceeded 1000 Mt. After remaining relatively stable for a brief period it decreased sharply in 2009 with the crisis and has increased by 5.5% in 2010 to 950 Mt.
More information about the United states energy market