What is the most common type of fuel used for generating electricity?

The most common types of fuel used for generating electricity are fossil fuels, which include coal, natural gas, and oil. These fuels are burned to heat water, which produces steam that drives turbines to generate electricity. In 2020, the United States generated about 60% of its electricity from fossil fuels, with coal and natural gas being the most commonly used sources.

Other sources of electricity include nuclear power, which uses uranium to generate heat, and renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, and geothermal power. These sources of energy are becoming increasingly popular due to their low carbon emissions and renewable nature, but still account for a smaller percentage of electricity generation compared to fossil fuels.