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Watch the history of waste-to-energy power plants in the United States

July 8, 2024

Waste-to-energy (WTE) plants in the US burn municipal solid waste to generate electricity, contributing less than one percent of the total. Initially developed due to landfill space scarcity, the renewable classification is disputed due to non-biogenic waste. Few new facilities have been built since the 1990s due to opposition, high costs, and increased focus on recycling and waste reduction.

Explore the world’s hydropower plants in 2022

June 24, 2024

Hydropower, a pioneer in grid-scale electricity generation since the late 19th century, now provides 17% of global electricity, surpassing nuclear, wind, solar, bioenergy, and geothermal combined. While the US and Europe have well-established capacity with limited room for expansion, China, India, Africa, and South America are developing new projects to meet rising electricity demand and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The history of global oil production

June 17, 2024

The commercial extraction of oil began in the 19th century in the US and Russia, initially for kerosene production. The introduction of the internal combustion engine increased oil demand. The Spindletop discovery in 1901 accelerated US oil production. OPEC’s formation in 1960 and market conditions led to price volatility, with consumption rising steadily in the 2000s.

Where are the world’s most valuable oil and gas companies?

June 10, 2024

Oil and natural gas make up 55% of global energy use, with the top 350 companies holding a combined market cap of $7.2 trillion, comprising 7% of the world’s largest companies. State-owned enterprises control 90% of the world’s crude oil reserves. Just 8 companies hold 50% of the market cap.

The history of natural gas production in the United States

June 3, 2024

Approximately 4934 trillion cubic feet of gas have been produced globally since 1900, with the United States contributing around 30%. Texas and Louisiana account for over half of US natural gas production. The introduction of fracking led to a significant increase in production, making the US a major exporter.

How has the technology of hydropower changed since 1898?

May 27, 2024

Hydropower plants utilize different technologies to generate electricity. Impoundment facilities use a dam to create a reservoir, releasing water through turbines. Run-of-river plants channel river water to generate power while pumped storage hydropower stores energy by moving water between reservoirs of different elevations. Each technology has its advantages and impacts on the environment and infrastructure.

The history of global natural gas production

May 20, 2024

Natural gas, once a byproduct, now comprises a quarter of global energy. Advancements in infrastructure and technology, along with increasing demand, have propelled its rise. However, its contributions to greenhouse gases and geopolitical tensions present challenges for sustainability and climate change goals.

Watch the history of pumped storage hydropower in the United States

April 22, 2024

Pumped storage plants for hydroelectric power in the United States were primarily built between 1960 and 1990. There have been no new projects since 2012, but three new ones have been proposed, potentially adding 2.6 GW to the existing 22 GW capacity. The largest facility is the Bath County Pumped Storage Station in Virginia, with 2.9 GW.

The history of fossil fuel production in the United States

April 8, 2024

Coal, oil, and natural gas have played major roles in U.S. industrialization and energy. Coal dominated in the 20th century, but oil and natural gas gained prominence after World War II. Fracking revitalized oil and gas production, leading to major shifts in fossil fuel production and investment trends.

Watch the history of waste-to-energy power plants in the United States

July 8, 2024

Waste-to-energy (WTE) plants in the US burn municipal solid waste to generate electricity, contributing less than one percent of the total. Initially developed due to landfill space scarcity, the renewable classification is disputed due to non-biogenic waste. Few new facilities have been built since the 1990s due to opposition, high costs, and increased focus on recycling and waste reduction.

Explore the world’s hydropower plants in 2022

June 24, 2024

Hydropower, a pioneer in grid-scale electricity generation since the late 19th century, now provides 17% of global electricity, surpassing nuclear, wind, solar, bioenergy, and geothermal combined. While the US and Europe have well-established capacity with limited room for expansion, China, India, Africa, and South America are developing new projects to meet rising electricity demand and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The history of global oil production

June 17, 2024

The commercial extraction of oil began in the 19th century in the US and Russia, initially for kerosene production. The introduction of the internal combustion engine increased oil demand. The Spindletop discovery in 1901 accelerated US oil production. OPEC’s formation in 1960 and market conditions led to price volatility, with consumption rising steadily in the 2000s.

Where are the world’s most valuable oil and gas companies?

June 10, 2024

Oil and natural gas make up 55% of global energy use, with the top 350 companies holding a combined market cap of $7.2 trillion, comprising 7% of the world’s largest companies. State-owned enterprises control 90% of the world’s crude oil reserves. Just 8 companies hold 50% of the market cap.

The history of natural gas production in the United States

June 3, 2024

Approximately 4934 trillion cubic feet of gas have been produced globally since 1900, with the United States contributing around 30%. Texas and Louisiana account for over half of US natural gas production. The introduction of fracking led to a significant increase in production, making the US a major exporter.

How has the technology of hydropower changed since 1898?

May 27, 2024

Hydropower plants utilize different technologies to generate electricity. Impoundment facilities use a dam to create a reservoir, releasing water through turbines. Run-of-river plants channel river water to generate power while pumped storage hydropower stores energy by moving water between reservoirs of different elevations. Each technology has its advantages and impacts on the environment and infrastructure.

The history of global natural gas production

May 20, 2024

Natural gas, once a byproduct, now comprises a quarter of global energy. Advancements in infrastructure and technology, along with increasing demand, have propelled its rise. However, its contributions to greenhouse gases and geopolitical tensions present challenges for sustainability and climate change goals.

Watch the history of pumped storage hydropower in the United States

April 22, 2024

Pumped storage plants for hydroelectric power in the United States were primarily built between 1960 and 1990. There have been no new projects since 2012, but three new ones have been proposed, potentially adding 2.6 GW to the existing 22 GW capacity. The largest facility is the Bath County Pumped Storage Station in Virginia, with 2.9 GW.

The history of fossil fuel production in the United States

April 8, 2024

Coal, oil, and natural gas have played major roles in U.S. industrialization and energy. Coal dominated in the 20th century, but oil and natural gas gained prominence after World War II. Fracking revitalized oil and gas production, leading to major shifts in fossil fuel production and investment trends.

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