The line graph demonstrates the changes in the gap between energy consumption and production in the United States during 1950 and 2000. It also estimates trends into the first quarter of the 21st century.
In general, overlapping data between consumption and production was documented from 1950 to 2000, thereby displaying increasing demands and inadequate supply of energy in the U.S, with projections diverging considerably in 2025. Consequently, energy importation is heavily required to bridge the gap between the figures.
Between 1950 and 1975, consumption and production increased from approximately 30 units to over 65 units at the end of the period, and although energy usage was consistently higher, the difference was relatively marginal. Over the next 25 years, power generation slightly rose to 75 units, whereas there was a sharp and fluctuating increase in demands, reaching up to 95 units in 2000. Accordingly, the gap between consumption and production was greatly widened, as evidenced by a substantial 25 energy units imported.
Projections up to 2025 predict a similar trend that the need for energy will continue to soar with a projected 140 units demanded in 2025, while only 90 units can be produced by the same year, thus resulting in 50 units to be imported to narrow the gap.