Scientists have long sought to mimic the mechanism of
photosynthesis, allowing them to convert sunlight directly into
fuels and chemicals. But new research at DOE's Lawrence
Berkeley National Laboratory suggests such mimicry may
delve into an obscure physical phenomenon called quantum
entanglement.
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, the average monthly residential electricity consumption was 936 kWh. (Source: EIA)
The United States makes up 5% of the world's population and accounts for 25% of total energy use.
In 2007, about 58% of the petroleum consumed in the U.S. was imported from foreign countries--primarily Canada, Saudia Arabia, Venezuela, Mexico and Nigeria. (Source: EIA)
Estimated energy demand is charted to grow by almost 50% in the next 20 years.
