FIG. E / Primary-energy mixREV C · 2026 · Vancouver BC

Energy Source Evolution: A Technological Perspective

Share of primary energy by source, 1800–2025 — each source paired with how it stores energy, from woodpiles to batteries.

Primary energy mix, 1800 to 2025, each source paired with its storage medium; renewables (batteries) rise steeply after 2000.

FIG. E / Global primary-energy mix, normalized to 100% — historical estimate, illustrative.

About the data: an illustrative view of the primary-energy transition; the historical shape follows the U.S. record, with pre-1900 figures and the post-2000 rise of wind & solar as estimates. The axis is compressed across 1800–1850, each year is rescaled to 100%, and the storage icons name the medium each source is held in. Hover any year for the breakdown.