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Where does my energy come from?

How does MD make electricity?

Electricity in the United States is produced (generated) with diverse energy sources and technologies

The United States uses many different energy sources and technologies to generate electricity. The sources and technologies have changed over time, and some are used more than others.

The three major categories of energy for electricity generation are fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, and petroleum), nuclear energy, and renewable energy sources. Most electricity is generated with steam turbines using fossil fuels, nuclear, biomass, geothermal, and solar thermal energy. Other major electricity generation technologies include gas turbines, hydro turbines, wind turbines, and solar photovoltaics.

Maryland consumes more than five times as much energy as it produces. The transportation sector accounts for slightly more than one-third of the state's energy consumption, while the commercial and residential sectors each consume about three-tenths of the energy used in the state. The industrial sector consumes less than one-tenth. Maryland ranks among the 10 states with the lowest per capita energy consumption. Maryland's economy is among the 10 states that use the least amount of energy to produce one dollar of GDP.Major contributors to the state's GDP include: government; finance, insurance, and real estate; professional and business services; education and healthcare; and manufacturing.


Maryland's Electricity Sources (1960-2020) 


Energy used for heating, cooling, and lighting on campus has a significant impact on UMBC’s Carbon Footprint. UMBC is actively working to reduce the amount of energy the campus uses and you too can contribute to the university’s efforts to reduce energy use and carbon emissions! Learn more about some of the current efforts on campus to reduce energy (below) and take moment to review the future of energy at UMBC as outlined in the Net-Zero Energy Plan.




Posted: July 20, 2022, 9:39 AM

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