LIVERMORE, Calif. — Americans used more energy in 2013 than the prior year, according to the latest energy flow charts released by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). Americans had used less energy in 2012 and 2011 than the previous year, but that trend has been reversed.

Each year, LLNL releases energy flow charts that illustrate the nation’s consumption and use of energy. Overall, Americans used 2.3 quadrillion thermal units more in 2013 than the previous year.

LLNL also has released a companion chart illustrating the nation’s energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. Americans’ carbon dioxide emissions increased to 5,390 million metric tons, the first annual increase since 2010.

The majority of energy use in 2013 was used for electricity generation (38.2 quads), followed by transportation, industrial, residential, and commercial. Energy use in the residential, commercial transportation, and industrial sectors all increased slightly.

Petroleum use increased in 2013 from the previous year. With oil prices remaining relatively constant, it is estimated that this is likely due to the modest economic expansion.

For details, view the 2013 U.S. energy flow chart here.

Publication date: 4/14/2014

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