U.S. Sets New Energy Production Record In 2024 With Strong Gains In Renewables And Oil -EIA

In 2024, the United States achieved its highest level of energy production in history, reaching more than 103 quadrillion British thermal units (BTUs). This marked a 1% increase from the previous record set in 2023. Several key energy sources, including natural gas, crude oil, natural gas plant liquids, biofuels, solar, and wind, set new domestic production records last year, reflecting a diversified and growing energy sector.

Natural gas remained the dominant source of energy, accounting for about 38% of the total energy production in the United States. It has been the largest domestic energy source since 2011 when it overtook coal. In 2024, U.S. dry natural gas production stood at nearly 38 trillion cubic feet, maintaining the same output level as in 2023.

Crude oil production also reached a new high in 2024. It contributed around 27% of the total energy produced in the country. The United States retained its position as the world’s top crude oil producer, with output rising to a record 13.2 million barrels per day—a 2% increase from 2023. The Permian Basin, which stretches across parts of Texas and New Mexico, played a significant role in this growth.

Coal production continued its long-term decline, contributing about 10% to the total energy mix. In 2024, coal production dropped to 512 million short tons, making it the lowest annual output since 1964. Coal was the leading source of energy from 1984 through 2010, but has since been overtaken by natural gas and other sources.

Natural gas plant liquids (NGPLs), which include fuels like ethane and propane derived during natural gas processing, make up about 9% of total energy production. Production of NGPLs hit a record 4 trillion cubic feet in 2024, representing a 7% increase from the previous year. The steady rise in NGPL output since 2005 aligns with the growth of U.S. natural gas production and processing capabilities.

Renewable energy sources also saw notable gains. Biofuel production reached a new record at 1.4 million barrels per day, up 6% from 2023. This category includes ethanol, biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel. Solar energy production jumped 25%, while wind energy rose by 8%, driven by the addition of new generating capacity. These increases led to record overall renewable energy production in the U.S. during 2024.

Meanwhile, energy sources such as hydropower and nuclear, primarily used for electricity generation, have either remained stable or declined slightly. Geothermal energy output fell marginally compared to the previous year. All energy production was measured using British thermal units to allow comparison across sources.