Spatial Distribution of Fuel Usage: Past and Present

Spatial Distribution of Fuel Usage: Past and Present

Class ProjectME 449 - Sustainable Air Quality

Spring 2007Matt Fishman

Instructor: R. Husar

Coal Energy

1960 2003BBtuBBtu

MBtu/PersonMBtu/Person

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MBtu/PersonMBtu/Person 1960 2003

In 1960, coal energy use was concentrated to the eastern United States. This area had easier access to the large coal stores in the Ohio river valley than the western states.

By 2003, coal usage had spread west across the country thanks to new coal deposits discovered in Wyoming. However, the east still maintained its lead in overall usage.

West VirginiaWyoming

In 1960, petroleum products were being used mostly in states that had a shoreline. This was due to the large amount of oil imported into the country.

All Petroleum Products

1960 2003BBtuBBtu


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For the most part, petroleum use has not increased dramatically in states that did not use it in the 60’s. It has increased in the other states, however.

Texas

California

In 1960, natural gas use was fairly widespread, with the majority of the use in Texas, California, Louisiana, and some states in the northeast.

Natural Gas Energy

1960 2003BBtuBBtu


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By 2003, the natural gas usage had increased, but the pattern of usage has not really altered. The major users are still the northeastern states, Texas, and California.

Texas

California

Nuclear Energy

1960

South Carolina Illinois

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In 1960, nuclear power was not a major source of energy. There was little to no nuclear power energy being produced.

By 2003, nuclear power has increased dramatically, with the majority of the use on the eastern and southeastern coastline.

Hydroelectric Energy

1960

WashingtonNevada

2003BBtuBBtu


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In 1960, hydroelectric power only accounted for a small percentage of power generation. The northwestern states and the southeastern states utilized this power source the most.

In 2003, the amount of hydroelectric power had increased in the same states as before. Only the western states generate a large portion of their power using this power source.

Geothermal Energy

1960

CaliforniaVermont

2003BBtuBBtu


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In 1960, geothermal energy was almost non-existent, with the exception of New York state.

By 2003, more states had begun to use geothermal energy, but on a very small scale. California is the only state to create a substantial amount of energy using this method.

Spatial Trend of Energy

Consumption by Fuel

1960 2003

Coal

All Petroleum

Natural Gas

Nuclear

Geothermal

Hydroelectric

*in BBtu

Summary of Spatial Distribution

• The distribution of fuel usage per person is largely determined by the natural resources available– Hydroelectric: Northwest– Nuclear: East Coast– Petroleum: Mainly East Coast and Ohio River Valley– Coal: East Coast and Midwest– Natural Gas: Mainly Southern States, but widespread– Geothermal: West Coast and Northeast

Documents

Spatial Distribution of Fuel Usage: Past and Present