Sources of Electricity

Where does our electricity come from? Today, the majority of electricity is generated using fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas). While they provide valuable energy, these fuels damage the environment and human health. Clean energy sources have gradually increased in recent decades and make up a significant 6% of our energy supply.

Energy Sources in Massachusetts

This chart shows the approximate percentage of each energy resource, consumed by Massachusetts in 2000. Fossil fuels made up 89% of the energy produced. Approximately 6% was generated by clean energy technologies and 5% by nuclear power. While this chart includes both electricity and heat generation for buildings, the production of electricity falls into similar proportions to the production of overall energy.

Clean Energy Sources used to Generate Electricity in Massachusetts

Clearly, fossil fuels are dominant in the production of energy. Still, the 6% of energy produced by clean energy, almost all of it electricity, is significant. As of June 2004, more than 2,000 megawatts of clean energy are powering Massachusetts. The locations of many of these sources can be viewed here.

Approximately 79% of clean energy in Massachusetts comes from hydropower and 21% is produced using bioenergy, specifically wood and wood waste. Less than one percent is currently generated using wind and solar energy.

The amount of clean energy already developed in Massachusetts is encouraging, but also indicates the need to increase both the quantity and the variety of clean energy sources.

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