IN THE US

Coal is being used to generate less electricity as the nation switches to cheaper and cleaner alternatives. Here’s how the mix of fuels used to generate power in the U.S. has changed between 2008 and now.

2008

Coal, 50%

Natural gas, 20%

Nuclear, 20%

Hydroelectric, 6%

Wind and other renewables, 2%

Petroleum, 1%

2012 (projected)

Coal, 38%

Natural gas, 29%

Nuclear, 20%

Hydroelectric, 7%

Wind and other renewables, 4%

Petroleum, 1%

(Totals do not equal 100 percent due to rounding.)

Source: The Associated Press