EIA on Coal: The Beat Goes On

For decade upon decade, coal has been dominating source of electricity in the United States, providing reliable and affordable power to an increasing population in a growing economy. In other words, more people living better. From 1950 to 2010, the population of the United States grew by 150 million people -- equal to the current population of Russia. The quality of life for these tens of millions increased, per capita income rose steadily and the U.S. shouldered its way to the center of the world's economic stage.

And coal provided the power. In 1950, coal produced 155 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity while its nearest competitor, hydroelectric, generated only 90 TWh. By 1970, coal yielded 704 TWh, about twice as much as natural gas. In 1990, coal-based power reached 1,572 TWh -- more than all other fuels combined. And, by 2010, coal generation in the United States had risen to 1,831 TWh -- more electricity than the total production of the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Spain.

Coal: The Epitome of Reliable Electricity

EIA's Latest Forecast Confirms the Power of Coal

Last week the EIA published the Early Release Overview of the Annual Energy Review 2012, presenting projections out to 2035. The forecast for sources of generation in the electric power sector identifies coal as the continuing cornerstone of electricity in the U.S.

EIA: The Continuing Role of Coal In America’s Power
REALITY:
EIA predicts that in 2035 coal will provide over 40% of generation in the American electric power sector.

 

The Demand for Coal Proceeds Apace
"Due to its relatively low cost and abundance, coal is used to generate about half of the electricity consumed in the United States. Coal is the largest domestically-produced source of energy+ EIA, 2012

 

Coal Production Will Increase 100 Million Tons
"The United States is home to the largest recoverable reserves of coal in the world. In fact, we have enough coal to last more than 200 years" EIA, 2012

Rising gas prices will spotlight coal's affordability

"Increased natural gas exports lead to increased natural gas prices. Larger export levels lead to larger domestic price increases,.....Due to higher prices, the electric power sector primarily shifts to coal-fired generation, and secondarily to renewable sources" EIA, January 19, 2012

References:  All data and projections taken from the most recent online publications of the Energy Information Administration, (EIA); http://www.eia.gov/. Specific citations are available from the author.