How much coal does the US burn annually and why is it an issue?‍

Coal-fired power plants burn coal to make steam and the steam turns turbines to generate electricity. Burning coal emits a mixture of damaging substances like sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and mercury. These chemicals harm the environment by causing acid rain and creating holes in the ozone.

“In 2021, about 546 million short tons (MMst) of coal were consumed in the United States… about 10.8% of total U.S. energy consumption. This was the lowest amount since 1964.” -US Energy Information Administration

US Coal Consumption from 1950-2021

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So how have we gone from burning over 1 billion tons of coal per year to half of that in a little over a decade? Natural gas, petroleum, and renewable energy have all played a big part. But it can’t end here.

Petroleum and a majority of the natural gas used in the US are considered fossil fuels. Meaning they aren’t sustainable. However, renewable is completely sustainable and most of the technology used to harness renewable energy is “green”, meaning it has no carbon emissions. In fact, the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy showed that as much as 45% of our electricity can come from solar by 2050. Learn more about the future of solar here.‍

When you switch to solar, you are increasing the amount of renewable energy and decreasing the dependence on fossil fuels like coal, petroleum and natural gas.

Not only is using renewable energy great for the environment, but it’s also great for your wallet. As more and more environmental laws are passed, the more expensive fossil fuels will become. All the way back in 2013, the CEO of Duke Energy and head of Gibson Station, James Rogers, saw this shift coming. He said, "If the cost of carbon is 30 bucks a ton, it's amazing the kinds of technologies that will evolve to allow you to produce more electricity with less emissions." 

Today, carbon is $50 a ton and the technology that produces 'more electricity with less emissions’ truly is amazing.

Solar is a great way to produce your own electricity at a fraction of the cost. Frugll takes it a step further by helping you switch to solar for less. Frugll experts want to make saving money as simple as possible. We’ll find the best solar option for your needs at the best cost so you don’t have to do any of the leg work.

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Interested in seeing what we can do for you? Talk to one of our experts today.