Country report
Energy Policies of IEA Countries: United States 2019 Review
United States
The energy policy landscape of the United States has fundamentally changed over the past decade. In many respects, the country is in a strong position to deliver a reliable, affordable and environmentally sustainable energy system.
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Innovations in oil and gas extraction through horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing have made oil and gas production from shale formations a mainstay of the US and global energy landscape. The timely siting of supporting infrastructure will be essential to ensuring continued gains from the shale boom.
The fuel mix of US power generation is undergoing a considerable transition. Coal power has declined in the last decade as the shale gas boom made natural gas-fired generators more cost-competitive. Meanwhile, renewable electricity has seen rapid growth as well, driven by reduced costs and policy support, while nuclear is facing competitive threats. As the US power mix shifts and as more variable renewables are introduced into the system, the question of smoothly and cost-effectively connecting new generation sources to the grid will require more policy and regulatory responses in the coming years.
Energy security remains a priority issue for the United States. The country continues to demonstrate a strong focus on reliability and resilience, recognising that its national and economic security depend on the reliable functioning of its energy infrastructure.
The fuel mix of US power generation is undergoing a considerable transition. Coal power has declined in the last decade as the shale gas boom made natural gas-fired generators more cost-competitive. Meanwhile, renewable electricity has seen rapid growth as well, driven by reduced costs and policy support, while nuclear is facing competitive threats. As the US power mix shifts and as more variable renewables are introduced into the system, the question of smoothly and cost-effectively connecting new generation sources to the grid will require more policy and regulatory responses in the coming years.
Energy security remains a priority issue for the United States. The country continues to demonstrate a strong focus on reliability and resilience, recognising that its national and economic security depend on the reliable functioning of its energy infrastructure.
Last updated Dec 16, 2021
Key energy statistics
Data browser
Analysis
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Fuel economy in the United States
Tracking report
CCUS in Power
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Commentary
Colonial pipeline outage in the United States underscores risks to energy supplies
Events
02 Nov 2021 14:00—15:00
IEA at COP26: Launch of Global Methane Pledge
13 Sep 2019
Energy Policy Review the United States 2019
31 Jan 2019
Modernising Energy Efficiency through Digitalisation - Webinar 1: Introduction to the U.S. Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings Program
28 Nov 2018
International CCUS Summit
Latest news
Executive Director meets US Energy Secretary in Washington to prepare for February’s IEA Ministerial
IEA welcomes G7 Leaders’ commitment to reach net zero by 2050
United States to become next chair of the Biofuture Platform
Executive Director and US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm meet to discuss cooperation on energy and climate goals
Reports
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Policy
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United States 2022 In force National
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United States 2022 In force National
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United States 2021 In force International
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United States 2021 In force National
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United States 2021 In force National
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United States 2021 In force National
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United States 2021 In force National
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United States 2021 In force National