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3% of global electricity is generated from Oil

2.78 % Share of global electricity
650 gCO2eq/kWh Carbon Intensity

Oil, a dense, carbon-rich substance derived from ancient organic materials, has served as a cornerstone of human energy consumption for decades. It is sourced primarily through drilling techniques that tap into underground reservoirs, making it a prominent player in the global energy landscape. Oil's versatility allows it to power vehicles, heat homes, and generate electricity. Despite its historical significance, the reliance on oil is increasingly questioned due to environmental concerns and the urgent need for transition toward sustainable energy sources.

When used for electricity generation, oil is typically burned in power plants to produce heat. This heat then boils water, creating steam that drives turbines connected to electricity generators. While simple and efficient, this process results in significant carbon emissions, contributing to the environmental footprint of oil-fired power generation. Although oil once played a greater role in electricity production, its use has been declining as cleaner alternatives gain prevalence.

One of the primary disadvantages of using oil for electricity is its high carbon intensity. At 650 gCO2eq/kWh, oil emits significantly more carbon dioxide per unit of electricity generated compared to low-carbon alternatives. For instance, wind power has a carbon intensity of only 11 gCO2eq/kWh, while solar stands at 45 gCO2eq/kWh and nuclear at 12 gCO2eq/kWh. These low-carbon energy sources not only offer cleaner electricity but are critical in combating climate change, highlighting the need for a shift away from fossil fuels like oil in the electricity mix.

In addition to its carbon footprint, oil combustion contributes to air pollution, which poses significant public health risks. Burning oil releases a variety of pollutants, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, which can adversely affect air quality. These emissions are linked to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and premature mortality. The transition to low-carbon electricity sources like solar, nuclear, and wind presents an opportunity to reduce reliance on oil and subsequently mitigate its environmental and health impacts.

The pressing need to decarbonize and our drive for a clean energy future necessitate an ambitious expansion of clean electricity sources. Embracing the consistent and scalable output of nuclear power alongside the abundant potential of solar arrays will ensure that we meet the rising energy demands driven by electrification and technological advancements like AI. This transition not only supports environmental health but also propels us toward a sustainable and resilient energy landscape.

Country/Region kWh/person % TWh
Hawaii 4848.1 W 76.4% 7.0 TWh
Curaçao 3381.9 W 70.9% 0.6 TWh
Estonia 1455.2 W 22.2% 2.0 TWh
Alaska 1321.0 W 15.0% 1.0 TWh
Montana 346.7 W 1.5% 0.4 TWh
Argentina 209.7 W 6.1% 9.6 TWh
Republic of China (Taiwan) 180.0 W 1.4% 4.2 TWh
Australia 179.7 W 1.7% 4.8 TWh
Michigan 147.8 W 1.2% 1.5 TWh
Slovakia 81.1 W 1.5% 0.4 TWh
Wyoming 77.6 W 0.1% 0.0 TWh
West Virginia 70.5 W 0.2% 0.1 TWh
Colombia 66.7 W 4.0% 3.5 TWh
Ohio 59.2 W 0.4% 0.7 TWh
North Macedonia 57.8 W 1.6% 0.1 TWh
Germany 44.0 W 0.7% 3.7 TWh
Denmark 44.0 W 0.7% 0.3 TWh
Maine 42.6 W 0.4% 0.1 TWh
Poland 41.1 W 0.9% 1.6 TWh
Romania 36.0 W 1.2% 0.7 TWh
Florida 35.6 W 0.3% 0.8 TWh
Maryland 32.5 W 0.3% 0.2 TWh
Chile 30.9 W 0.7% 0.6 TWh
France 30.2 W 0.4% 2.0 TWh
New Hampshire 29.8 W 0.2% 0.0 TWh
North Dakota 28.6 W 0.1% 0.0 TWh
Massachusetts 26.0 W 0.4% 0.2 TWh
Italy 25.4 W 0.5% 1.5 TWh
Indonesia 23.4 W 1.9% 6.6 TWh
Missouri 23.4 W 0.2% 0.1 TWh
Connecticut 22.1 W 0.2% 0.1 TWh
New York 21.0 W 0.3% 0.4 TWh
Kansas 19.8 W 0.1% 0.1 TWh
New Zealand 18.8 W 0.2% 0.1 TWh
Georgia (US) 18.0 W 0.1% 0.2 TWh
Tennessee 16.8 W 0.1% 0.1 TWh
Indiana 14.0 W 0.1% 0.1 TWh
South Carolina 12.8 W 0.1% 0.1 TWh
Ukraine 12.8 W 0.5% 0.5 TWh
Kentucky 12.7 W 0.1% 0.1 TWh
North Carolina 12.1 W 0.1% 0.1 TWh
Virginia 11.2 W 0.1% 0.1 TWh
Utah 9.7 W 0.1% 0.0 TWh
Louisiana 9.4 W 0.0% 0.0 TWh
Iceland 7.5 W 0.0% 0.0 TWh
Arkansas 7.3 W 0.0% 0.0 TWh
Texas 6.4 W 0.0% 0.2 TWh
Nebraska 5.9 W 0.0% 0.0 TWh
Spain 5.8 W 0.1% 0.3 TWh
Iowa 5.6 W 0.0% 0.0 TWh
Oklahoma 5.2 W 0.0% 0.0 TWh
Delaware 4.1 W 0.0% 0.0 TWh
Finland 3.5 W 0.0% 0.0 TWh
Pennsylvania 3.4 W 0.0% 0.0 TWh
Wisconsin 3.1 W 0.0% 0.0 TWh
New Jersey 3.0 W 0.0% 0.0 TWh
Mississippi 2.9 W 0.0% 0.0 TWh
Hungary 2.9 W 0.1% 0.0 TWh
Minnesota 2.2 W 0.0% 0.0 TWh
Arizona 2.0 W 0.0% 0.0 TWh
Colorado 2.0 W 0.0% 0.0 TWh
Nevada 1.7 W 0.0% 0.0 TWh
Illinois 1.7 W 0.0% 0.0 TWh
Vermont 1.6 W 0.0% 0.0 TWh
Czechia 1.4 W 0.0% 0.0 TWh
South Dakota 1.2 W 0.0% 0.0 TWh
California 0.8 W 0.0% 0.0 TWh
Alabama 0.7 W 0.0% 0.0 TWh
Washington 0.4 W 0.0% 0.0 TWh
United Arab Emirates 0.3 W 0.0% 0.0 TWh
Idaho 0.0 W 0.0% 0.0 TWh
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