Electricity in the U.S.
Most electricity is generated with steam turbines that use fossil fuels, nuclear, biomass, geothermal, or solar thermal energy. Other major electricity generation technologies
Hydropower and geothermal power can also be used for base load electricity generation if those resources are regionally available. The renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind, are most suitable for intermediate load plants.
Solar photovoltaic and solar thermal power plants provided about 4% of total U.S. utility-scale electricity and accounted for 18% of utility-scale electricity generation from renewable sources in 2023. Nearly all solar electric generation was from photovoltaic systems (PV).
Baseload power plants are usually coal-fired or nuclear because they produce low-cost fuel and steady-state electricity. Hydro and geothermal energy can also be used for baseload generation if these resources are available within the region. Renewable energy systems such as solar and wind power are best suited for medium-load power plants.
Natural gas was the top source—about 43%—of U.S. utility-scale electricity generation in 2023. Natural gas is used in steam turbines and gas turbines to generate electricity. Coal was the fourth-highest energy source—about 16%—of U.S. electricity generation in 2023. Nearly all coal-fired power plants use steam turbines.
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