By Chase Smith
The United States produced more energy in 2024 than in any year on record, according to newly released data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Total domestic energy output topped 103 quadrillion British thermal units (Btu), a 1 percent increase from the previous record set in 2023, the May 2025 EIA report states.
Natural gas remained the country’s top energy source, accounting for 38 percent of total production. U.S. dry natural gas output reached nearly 38 trillion cubic feet—roughly level with 2023.
Crude oil also hit a new high, with average production at 13.2 million barrels per day (bpd). That was a 2 percent increase over 2023, driven largely by expansion in the Permian Basin, which spans parts of Texas and New Mexico. Crude oil accounted for 27 percent of U.S. energy output, reinforcing the country’s position as the world’s top crude oil producer.
Renewables saw record-setting growth in several categories. Biofuels production rose by 6 percent to 1.4 million bpd, while solar output increased by 25 percent and wind generation climbed by 8 percent. Together with other sources, renewable energy accounted for about 15 percent of total domestic production.
Natural gas plant liquids, such as ethane and propane, also contributed to the overall gain. Natural gas plant liquid production rose by 7 percent to 4 trillion cubic feet, extending a growth trend that began in 2005.
U.S. coal production continued its long-term decline, falling to 512 million short tons in 2024, the lowest annual total since 1964. Coal represented 10 percent of total energy output, down from its peak as the dominant fuel source in the late 20th century.
“Last year’s coal production was the lowest annual output since 1964,” the report states. “Coal was the largest source of U.S. energy production from 1984 through 2010.”
While total energy consumption also rose, the United States remained a net exporter of energy throughout the year. Exports exceeded imports by nearly 1.5 quadrillion Btu in the first two months of 2025 alone.
The EIA measures all forms of energy in Btu to allow for consistent comparison across sources such as oil (measured in barrels), gas (in cubic feet), and electricity (in kilowatt-hours).
According to the agency’s Monthly Energy Review, the United States has increased its energy production capacity across multiple sectors because of sustained investment, technological advances, and expanded infrastructure.
The new EIA figures contrast with two executive orders that President Donald Trump signed on Jan. 20, his first day in office. One order declared a national energy emergency, citing an “inadequate and intermittent” domestic energy supply and warning of high prices and grid instability. A second order, titled “Unleashing American Energy,” called for sweeping deregulation and the rollback of dozens of climate-focused initiatives from the previous administration.
Both orders argue that the United States faces an energy crisis, despite EIA data showing that the country produced more energy in 2024 than ever before. Natural gas, crude oil, wind, solar, and biofuels all set new domestic records. Crude oil production rose to 13.2 million bpd, and solar generation increased by 25 percent.
The administration’s actions aim to further boost production and speed up permitting for fossil fuel and mineral development, especially on federal lands. The orders also target environmental rules and electric vehicle incentives, citing a need to restore consumer choice and lower energy costs.
The contrast between the executive orders and EIA’s data highlights competing perspectives on the state of U.S. energy policy and infrastructure.
The White House and the Department of Energy did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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