REDUCTION IN ENERGY USE

摘要

Americans used 7 percent less energy in 2020, due in part to the coronavirus pandemic impacting demand, according to energy flow charts released by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.Each year, the laboratory releases flow charts illustrating the nation's consumption and use of energy. Americans used 92.9-quads (quadrillion BTU) of energy last year, which is 7.2-quads (7 percent) less than 2019. The highest recorded energy use in U.S. history was in 2018, when 101.2-quads were consumed.Renewable energy made significant gains, with solar up by 19 percent and wind increasing 10 percent. Use of natural gas was down 2 percent. Natural gas in the commercial sector declined 11 percent, likely due to decreased commercial activity. A 7 percent decline in natural gas use in the residential sector was likely due to a relatively warm winter. These declines were offset by increased use of natural gas in the electricity sector, which (along with renewables) replaced coal consumption.