The two bar graphs illustrate how electricity was generated in the United States from different energy sources in the years 2009 and 2019, with a focus on both renewable and non-renewable sources.
In terms of non-renewable sources, coal was the major contributor, generating 1,756 billion kilowatt-hours in 2009 before dropping to 966 billion kilowatt-hours in 2019. Following coal, natural gas produced 921 billion kilowatt-hours in 2009 and expanded to 1,582 billion kilowatt-hours in 2019. Moreover, nuclear energy accounted for 799 billion kilowatt-hours in 2009 and saw a slight increase to 809 billion kilowatt-hours in 2019. Petroleum generated the least, starting at 57 billion kilowatt-hours in 2009 and declining to 40 billion kilowatt-hours in 2019.
When analyzing renewable energies, hydroelectric power generated 273 billion kilowatt-hours in both 2009 and 2019. Wind energy produced 94 billion kilowatt-hours in 2009 and saw a significant increase to 300 billion kilowatt-hours in 2019. Biomass, which includes plant and animal sources, saw minimal changes, with production of 54 billion kilowatt-hours in 2009 and 58 billion kilowatt-hours in 2019. Additionally, geothermal and solar energies produced the least in both years.
Overall, the data from 2009 and 2019 show that the highest electricity generation came from coal, despite a significant decline in its output. In contrast, geothermal energy remained at the bottom of the list, generating only 16 billion kilowatt-hours.