The energyminute team created the map of the largest source of power in Europe, using ourworldindata.org data.

The most significant sources of energy in Europe are nuclear power, natural gas, renewable energy, coal, and oil.

• Nuclear energy has been a significant source of power in Europe, contributing a substantial portion of the electricity generation in several countries, including France, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine. Nuclear power plants use nuclear reactions to produce heat, which is then converted into electricity.
• Natural gas has been a key player in Europe’s energy mix due to its relatively cleaner burning compared to coal and oil. It’s often used for electricity generation as well as heating purposes. Russia is a major supplier of natural gas to Europe through pipelines, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals also play a role in diversifying supply sources.
• Renewable energy sources have been rapidly growing in importance across Europe. Wind power, both onshore and offshore, has seen a substantial development in countries like Germany, Denmark, the United Kingdom, and Spain. Solar energy has been on the rise as well, particularly in southern European countries with ample sunlight. Hydropower, though somewhat constrained by geography, has also contributed significantly in countries like Norway and Switzerland.
• While the use of coal has been declining in Europe due to environmental concerns and efforts to reduce carbon emissions, it has historically been a significant source of power in some countries, like Germany and Poland. However, many countries have been transitioning away from coal in favor of cleaner energy sources.
• Oil is primarily used for transportation and heating purposes rather than for electricity generation in Europe. However, the trend towards electric vehicles and the push for cleaner transportation alternatives have led to a decreased reliance on oil for this purpose.

Want to learn more about European energy? Then have a look at:

• The Fall and Rise of Nuclear Power in Britain: A history
• Energy and Power: Germany in the Age of Oil, Atoms, and Climate Change
• The Great Blackout of Europe: The Untold Story of the Continent’s Largest Power Outage

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North America’s abundance of natural resources makes the region highly suited for green renewable energy generation. The map below, created by EnergyMinute, shows the most significant power source in every U.S. state and Canadian province.

United States

The total U.S. electricity generation is 4.12 trillion kilowatt-hours. The three significant energy categories for electricity generation in the United States are fossil fuels (natural gas, coal, and petroleum), nuclear power, and renewable energy sources.

Natural gas was the most significant source (38%) of U.S. electricity generation. Coal was the 2d-largest energy source for electricity generation (22%).

Petroleum was the source of less than 1% of the United States’ electricity generation.

Sources of electricity generation in the U.S.

Canada

Canada generated 632.2 terawatt-hours of electricity in 2020. More than half of the electricity in Canada (60%) is produced from hydro sources, even though Canada is the 4th largest oil producer and 6th largest natural gas producer in the world. In 2020, Canada produced 4.66 million barrels of crude oil and 15.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day. The rest energy is generated from various sources, including natural gas, nuclear, wind, coal, biomass, solar, and petroleum. In 2020, Canada had the 4th-largest installed capacity of hydropower in the world.

Sources of electricity generation in Canada

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Today, these types of fossil fuels continued to play a dominant role in the world’s energy systems, accounting for around 84 percent of the global energy supply. The United States is the most significant overall producer, producing just under 20 percent of all world’s fossil fuels, followed by Russia and Iran.

Below are the interactive maps created by 911metallurgist that show fossil fuel production by country.

The U.S. is the biggest oil producer, producing 18 percent of the world‘s oil, followed by Saudi Arabia and Russia. Venezuela has the most oil reserves in the world but currently only sits as its 12th biggest producer.

The United States is also the largest natural gas producer, producing nearly 20 percent of all-natural gas. Russia is also a gas powerhouse, with a 17.3 percent share.

China produces a mountainous 45 percent of the world’s coal.

Fossil fuel consumption has grown dramatically over the past half-century, about eight-fold since 1950 and practically doubling since 1980.

Today across the world, the largest consumers use over ten times more fossil energy than some of the smallest consumers.

Top 20 countries by fossil fuel consumption per capita in 2021

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Coal is primarily used as a fossil fuel for electricity generation and industrial processes. Nowadays, there are around 240 coal-fired power plants operating in Europe.

Germany had the highest number of coal-fired power stations in Europe. However, it’s important to note that Germany has been actively phasing out coal power plants as part of its transition to cleaner energy sources. Other countries in Europe with a significant number of coal power stations included Poland, the United Kingdom, and Turkey.

Here is a list of the most powerful coal-fired power plants in Europe.

1. Bełchatów Power Station (Poland) – 5,472MW (forth largest coal plant in the world)
2. Neurath Power Station (Germany) – 4,400MW
3. Drax Power Station (United Kingdom) – 3,960MW
4. Niederaussem Power Station (Germany) – 3,864MW
5. Jänschwalde Power Station (Germany) – 3,000MW
6. Kozienice Power Station (Poland) – 2,840MW
7. Brindisi Sud Power station (Italy) – 2,640MW
8. Turceni Power Station (Romania) – 2,640MW
9. Boxberg Power Station (Germany) – 2,575MW
10. Frimmersdorf Power Station (Germany) – 2,413MW

The EU has been actively promoting the transition away from coal as part of its climate and energy objectives. The EU’s policies include the Emissions Trading System (ETS) and the Industrial Emissions Directive, which set emission reduction targets and enforce stricter environmental standards for coal-fired power plants.

Several European countries have announced specific plans to phase out coal power plants. Germany, for example, has committed to closing all its coal-fired power plants by 2038, with intermediate milestones along the way. Other countries, including France, Italy, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, have also set targets and timelines to phase out coal.

The growing share of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, is gradually replacing coal in Europe’s electricity generation mix. Governments are implementing supportive policies, providing incentives, and investing in renewable energy infrastructure to facilitate this transition. The declining costs of renewables have also made them more economically competitive compared to coal.

Financial institutions, including banks and investment funds, are increasingly divesting from coal-related projects due to environmental and climate concerns. This divestment movement makes financing new coal plants more challenging and encourages a shift towards cleaner energy investments.

The map below created by ClimateAnalytics shows a plan to phase out coal power stations across the European Union from 2017 to 2031.

New Life for Dead Coal Plants

Former coal-fired power plants can be repurposed or undergo various transformations to serve new functions and contribute to sustainable development. Here are some options for what can be done with former coal-fired power plants:

• Conversion to Natural Gas: Some coal plants can be retrofitted or converted to operate on natural gas, which is a relatively cleaner fossil fuel compared to coal. This conversion can involve replacing coal-fired boilers with natural gas-fired ones, enabling the plant to continue generating electricity with reduced emissions.
• Biomass or Waste-to-Energy Conversion: Another option is to convert the coal plant into a biomass or waste-to-energy facility. This involves modifying the plant to burn biomass fuels like wood pellets or agricultural residues, or using waste materials as a fuel source. This transformation can contribute to renewable energy generation and help reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
• Solar or Wind Power Generation: Former coal plant sites often have vast land areas and existing transmission infrastructure, making them suitable for the development of solar or wind farms. Repurposing the site for renewable energy production can contribute to the transition to clean energy and maximize the utilization of existing resources.
• Industrial or Commercial Redevelopment: Coal plant sites can be repurposed for industrial or commercial activities. These can include manufacturing facilities, data centers, research and development hubs, logistics centers, or other industrial or commercial operations. The infrastructure and available space can be attractive for businesses seeking suitable locations for their operations.
• Cultural or Recreational Spaces: Some former coal plants have been transformed into cultural or recreational spaces. They can be converted into museums, exhibition centers, event venues, or public parks. This allows for the preservation of the site’s historical significance while providing a new community space for educational, cultural, or leisure purposes.
• Environmental Remediation and Restoration: Decommissioned coal plants may require environmental remediation to address any contamination issues associated with their operations. This can involve soil and groundwater cleanup, demolition of structures, and restoration of the site to its natural state. The remediated land can then be repurposed for conservation, ecological restoration, or other environmentally friendly initiatives.

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Regional Disparities in Access to Electricity

• Sub-Saharan Africa: This region faces the most significant challenges, with the lowest electrification rates worldwide. Countries like South Sudan, Chad, and Burundi have some of the lowest access rates, often below 10%.
• South Asia: Significant progress has been made, especially in countries like India, where ambitious electrification programs have dramatically increased access. However, rural areas still lag behind urban centers.
• Latin America and the Caribbean: This region has seen considerable improvement, with countries like Brazil and Mexico achieving near-universal access. However, remote areas, particularly in the Amazon Basin, still face difficulties.
• Middle East and North Africa: These regions generally have high access rates, though conflict and instability in countries like Yemen and Syria have disrupted infrastructure and access.
• East Asia and the Pacific: China’s rapid development has led to near-universal access. Other countries in the region, such as Indonesia and the Philippines, have made significant strides but still face challenges in remote and island communities.
• Europe and Central Asia: Most countries in these regions have achieved universal or near-universal access to electricity. Rural and economically disadvantaged areas, especially in parts of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, continue to face occasional disruptions and lower quality of service.

The map below highlights the stark contrasts in electrification rates within the African continent, emphasizing regions with the most significant challenges.

Electrification Progress Over Time

From 1990 to 2010, a significant number of people gained access to electricity—1.7 billion—while the global population increased by 1.6 billion. Most of the electrification progress occurred in metropolitan areas. However, sub-Saharan Africa saw a slower increase in its electrified population compared to its overall population growth.

Future Projections and Challenges

Given current trends, universal access to electricity by 2030 appears unlikely without substantial intervention. Projections indicate that while almost one billion people in sub-Saharan Africa might gain electricity access by 2040, an estimated 530 million people will still lack access due to ongoing population growth.

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Breaking Down America’s Water Usage

According to the latest USGS data, here’s how Americans use their freshwater:

• Thermoelectric power: 45% (cooling for power plants)
• Irrigation: 32% (agricultural needs)
• Public Supply: 12% (residential and commercial use)
• Industrial: 5% (manufacturing and processing)
• Aquaculture: 3% (fish farming)
• Mining: 2%
• Self-Supplied Domestic: 1% (private wells)

Regional Water Champions

Just twelve states account for more than half of all water withdrawals in the United States. Here’s what makes each state unique:

California (9% of national water use)

• Leading agricultural water consumer
• Faces recurring drought challenges
• According to the Public Policy Institute of California, agriculture accounts for about 80% of all water delivered for human use

Texas (7% of national water use)

• Primarily uses water for power generation
• The major player in groundwater extraction
• The Texas Water Development Board reports that the state’s water demand could increase by 27% by 2070

Idaho (6% of freshwater withdrawals)

• Second-largest irrigation water user nationally
• Leader in aquaculture water use
• The Idaho Department of Water Resources manages over 2 million acres of irrigated farmland

Coastal States and Saline Water

Florida, New York, and Maryland lead in saline water use, primarily for power generation. Florida alone accounts for 23% of all saline water withdrawals nationwide. This highlights an interesting adaptation: using seawater for cooling power plants to preserve freshwater resources.

The Future of Water Use

Current Consumption

• The average American family uses more than 300 gallons of water per day at home (EPA)
• Outdoor water use accounts for 30% of household consumption, mainly for landscape irrigation
• Indoor usage is dominated by toilets (24%), washing machines (22%), and showers (20%)

Looking Ahead

According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, water managers in 40 states expect water shortages in some portions of their states under average conditions in the next decade. This highlights the growing importance of water conservation and efficient use across all sectors.

Changing Patterns

• Power plants are transitioning to more water-efficient cooling systems, with closed-loop systems reducing water consumption by up to 95% compared to traditional methods
• Farmers are adopting precision irrigation technologies, cutting water usage by 20-50% according to the USDA
• Cities are implementing smart metering and leak detection, with some municipalities reducing water losses by up to 30%

Related Resources

If you’re interested in maps of the United States, here are some high-quality map posters available on Amazon:

• Maps International USA Wall Map
• National Geographic United States Classic Wall Map
• Rand McNally Classic United States Wall Map

The post What’s Your U.S. County’s Water Use? Understanding America’s Water Consumption Patterns appeared first on Vivid Maps.

All that renewable power comes from specific regions, not the country as a whole. Some states are absolutely loaded with sun and wind. Others barely have enough to make projects worthwhile.

Southeastern California gets bombarded. Southern Nevada too. Arizona’s southern regions, plus scattered areas in New Mexico and Texas. Those zones pull in 6.5+ kilowatt-hours per square meter daily. Head north to cloudier states and you’re looking at 3, maybe 4 kWh/m²/day tops.

Largest Solar Projects in the U.S.

Edwards & Sanborn pairs 875 megawatts of generation with 3,300 megawatt-hours of batteries. That battery bank is the largest one connected to solar anywhere in the U.S. Part of the site leases land from Edwards Air Force Base. The Defense Department hasn’t done a bigger renewable deal with private industry.

Wind runs on completely different geography. Strong, consistent speeds above 10 meters per second cluster along northern California’s coast. The Great Lakes see similar numbers. So does the eastern spine of the Rockies and scattered Atlantic offshore zones. Water creates temperature gradients that drive steady winds. Mountains channel and accelerate airflow through passes.

Largest Wind Projects in the U.S.

SunZia Wind in central New Mexico will be the largest wind farm in the Western Hemisphere when it comes online in 2026. The project includes over 900 turbines spread across Lincoln, Torrance, and San Miguel Counties. Pattern Energy broke ground on the $11 billion project, which pairs the wind farm with a 550-mile transmission line to carry power to Arizona and California.

Solar capacity additions beat natural gas in 2025. Wind now supplies over 10% of total U.S. generation.

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www.elitefixtures.com

Top 10 highest residential electricity rates:
1. Hawaii – $0.308
2. Alaska – $0.282
3. Vermont – $0.176
4. Connecticut – $0.155
5. Massachusetts – $0.144
6. New Mexico – $0.141
7. Wisconsin – $0.139
8. Rhode Island – $0.139
8. California – $0.138
9. New Hampshire – $0.134

Top 10 lowest residential electricity rates:
1. Maryland – $0.094
2. Louisiana – $0.094
3. Mississippi – $0.093
4. Kentucky – $0.087
5. District of Columbia – $0.082
6. Virginia – $0.074
7. Washington – $0.073
8. Oregon – $0.072
9. Tennessee – $0.069
10. Nevada – $0.068

Commercial electricity rates in the U.S.

www.elitefixtures.com

Top 10 highest commercial electricity rates:
1. Hawaii – $0.288
2. Alaska – $0.243
3. Vermont – $0.155
4. California – $0.127
5. New Mexico – $0.125
6. Connecticut – $0.123
7. New Hampshire – $0.121
8. Massachusetts – $0.120
9. Rhode Island – $0.119
10. Kansas – $0.117

Top 10 lowest commercial electricity rates:
1. Michigan – $0.082
2. District of Columbia – $0.082
3. Idaho – $0.081
4. Maryland – $0.080
5. Illinois – $0.073
6. Pennsylvania – $0.073
7. Oregon – $0.069
8. Washington – $0.068
9. Virginia – $0.062
10. Nevada – $0.054

Via elitefixtures

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The European natural gas network consists of a vast network of pipelines that connect gas-producing countries, gas-consuming countries, and major storage facilities. These pipelines allow for the transportation of natural gas over long distances.

The network links various natural gas suppliers, including Russia, Norway, Algeria, and other countries, with consumers across Europe. Major consumers include industrial sectors, power generation plants, residential heating, and commercial establishments.

The map below created by the team entsog.eu shows the European natural gas network.

Major Pipelines

The major pipelines in Europe are:

• Nord Stream: A set of pipelines that transport natural gas from Russia to Germany via the Baltic Sea.
• Yamal-Europe Pipeline: Connects Russia’s Yamal Peninsula to Western Europe.
• Trans-Mediterranean Pipeline: Brings natural gas from Algeria to Italy via Tunisia.
• TAP Pipeline: Trans-Adriatic Pipeline delivers gas from Azerbaijan to Italy through Greece and Albania.
• BBL Pipeline: Connects the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
• Gazprom Pipelines: Gazprom, the Russian gas giant, operates several pipelines connecting Russia to Europe, including the Brotherhood Pipeline, the Blue Stream Pipeline, and the Tristram Pipeline.

Other Key Elements of the European Natural Gas Network

Storage facilities also play a crucial role in maintaining gas supply during high-demand periods or disruptions. These storage sites store natural gas that can be withdrawn when needed, ensuring energy security.

Moreover, various natural gas trading hubs exist across Europe, where gas can be bought and sold. These hubs play a role in determining gas prices and facilitate market integration.

To learn more, read:

• The Bridge: Natural Gas in a Redivided Europe
• Natural Gas: Fuel for the 21st Century

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