Fossil fuels—primarily natural gas—will dominate the energy sector over the next 50 years, while renewables—mainly solar and wind power— will continue their upward trajectory before leveling off mid-century, according to the U.S Energy Information Administration (EIA).
At EIA’s Annual Energy Outlook released Jan. 24, EIA Administrator Linda Capuano said 2020 will mark the first time in nearly 70 years that the United States will be a net exporter of energy. This shift is a result of now well-established trends, Capuano said, which include the prevalence of cheap natural gas, the increase in liquified natural gas exports, and booming production of crude oil and other petroleum products. “The U.S. has become the largest producer of crude oil in the world, and growth in domestic oil, natural gas and renewable energy production is quickly establishing the United States as a strong global energy producer for the foreseeable future,” she said.