what is the main source of electrical energy in the us
Electricity Generating Sources. Generating Sources. Most of the electricity in the United States is generated by steam turbines. Petroleum (oil), coal, and natural gas are burned in large furnaces to generate steam, which pushes on the blades of a turbine. In the United States, coal is the primary source used to generate electricity. Besides being burned to heat water for steam, natural gas can be also burned to produce hot combustion gases that pass through a turbine, turning the blades to generate electricity.