In 2016, the agricultural sector consumed 1,872 trillion Btu of energy, accounting for about 1.9 percent of total U.S. primary energy consumption.
Farms consume energy in many forms, mainly diesel (44 percent of direct energy consumption), electricity (24 percent), natural gas (13 percent), gasoline (11 percent), and liquefied petroleum gas (7 percent). Diesel and, to a lesser extent, gasoline are used to power farm machinery. Electricity is used mainly for irrigation, cooling, and lighting. Natural gas and LP gas are used in heating and grain drying. Large amounts of natural gas are required in the manufacturing of fertilizer and pesticide, so these amounts are categorized as indirect energy consumption on farms.
Overall, about three-fifths of energy in 2016 used in the agricultural sector was consumed directly on-farm, while two-fifths were consumed indirectly in the form of fertilizer and pesticides. Recent increases in diesel and fertilizer consumption come in response to declining oil and natural gas prices. From 2012 to 2015, agriculture became more energy intensive, as energy consumption grew over 10 percent compared with about 6 percent growth in agricultural output.
This chart updates data found in the ERS report, Trends in U.S. Agriculture's Consumption and Production of Energy: Renewable Power, Shale Energy, and Cellulosic Biomass, released August 2016.
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Other news in this sector:
- 2020-06-04 Sustainable microalgae production plant in Israel
- 2020-06-04 UK: The twists and turns of the RHI
- 2020-06-03 "Adopting biomass heating will allow your business big savings and a healthy income"
- 2020-06-02 "Smarter energy usage is key to a greener future"
- 2020-05-19 MTU Series 4000 gas engine output passes the 3000 mark
- 2020-05-07 UK: Electricity generators may be asked to turn off at short notice
- 2020-05-07 CAN (ON): Relief of portion of GA charges for industrial and commercial customers
- 2020-05-06 "Saving energy and money with behavioural changes and simple efficiency improvements"
- 2020-05-06 Australia: Queensland growers slash thousands from their energy bills
- 2020-05-01 A view of what’s to come?
- 2020-04-29 UK: The burning question about refurbs
- 2020-04-27 Cheap gas and electricity for the smart grower
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- 2020-04-20 UK: What do the budget announcements mean for growers?
- 2020-04-16 Management of agricultural waste biomass
- 2020-04-14 British Columbia Utilities Commission approves COVID-19 customer relief programs
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- 2020-04-08 Geothermal industry calls for an internal market for heat
- 2020-04-03 CAN (QC): Freeze on electricity rates for the next year
- 2020-04-01 UK: Are your RHI records audit worthy?
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