Extraction of "tight" oil—light crude oil contained in geological formations of shale or sandstone—accounted for only 12% of total U.S. oil production in 2008. By 2012, it made up 35%, and is predicted to rise to 50% in the near term.

U.S. energy consumption is projected to rise 9% by 2040, or 0.3% per year, while global consumption will increase about 50% over the same period

U.S. energy consumption is projected to rise 9% by 2040, or 0.3% per year, while global consumption will increase about 50% over the same period

U.S. energy consumption is projected to rise 9% by 2040, or 0.3% per year, while global consumption will increase about 50% over the same period

New technologies for drilling have led to increases in supply of oil in the U.S. in the decade up to 2014.

New technologies for drilling have led to increases in supply of oil in the U.S. in the decade up to 2014.

New technologies for drilling have led to increases in supply of oil in the U.S. in the decade up to 2014.

New technologies for drilling have led to increases in supply of oil in the U.S. in the decade up to 2014.

Wood and waste biomass, along with biofuels, accounted for about 50% of the U.S. renewable energy supply in 2014, and more than 4% of all energy consumed. 

Wood and waste biomass, along with biofuels, accounted for about 50% of the U.S. renewable energy supply in 2014, and more than 4% of all energy consumed. 

Wood and waste biomass, along with biofuels, accounted for about 50% of the U.S. renewable energy supply in 2014, and more than 4% of all energy consumed. 

As of 2014, the very best experimental units could convert more than 40% of light energy to electricity; ordinary commercial units are in the range of 5% to 20%. 

As of 2014, the very best experimental units could convert more than 40% of light energy to electricity; ordinary commercial units are in the range of 5% to 20%. 

As of 2014, the very best experimental units could convert more than 40% of light energy to electricity; ordinary commercial units are in the range of 5% to 20%. 

Fuel cells are an efficient way to convert hydrogen to electricity, but the energy is stored in the hydrogen.

The national average is around 1.5 million gallons per well , according to the EPA.

The national average is around 1.5 million gallons per well , according to the EPA.

The national average is around 1.5 million gallons per well , according to the EPA.

With less than 5% of the world's population, the United States is home to one-third of the world's automobiles.

With less than 5% of the world's population, the United States is home to one-third of the world's automobiles.

Fossil fuels represent the largest source of stored solar energy, resulting from the transformation of biomass over millions of years into oil, natural gas and coal. 

Fossil fuels represent the largest source of stored solar energy, resulting from the transformation of biomass over millions of years into oil, natural gas and coal.