Seeking to spur the biomass industry, DOE and U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) are
awarding $564 million in Recovery Act funds to 19 biorefinery
projects in 15 states. The efforts, including advanced
biofuels, bioproducts, and power from biomass feedstocks,
will also get $700 million in private and non-federal funds.
Fossil fuels provide more than 85% of all the energy consumed in the US, nearly two-thirds of our electricity, and virtually all of our transportation fuels. (Source: DOE)
In 2007, renewable sources of energy accounted for about 7% of total U.S. energy consumption and 9.4% of electricity generation. (Source: EIA)
Electricity generation accounts for about 40% of total U.S. energy consumption. (Source: Institute for 21st Century Energy)
In 2007, the average monthly residential electricity consumption was 936 kWh. (Source: EIA)
Appliances account for roughly 65% of electricity consumption in the average American household (2001), with refrigerators and lighting making up the largest categories. (Source: EIA)
