An abundant supply of coal, oil, and natural gas makes Colorado a major energy-producing state.
During 1999, 39.5 billion kWh of electricity (utility and nonutility) were generated in Colorado, about 83% of that in coal-fired plants; total installed capacity was 8 million kW.
Petroleum production in 2002 was 49,000 barrels per day (11th highest in the nation); proved reserves were 196 million barrels (12th highest). Natural gas marketed production in 2002 was 605.3 billion cu ft (17.1 billion cu m); in 2001 reserves were nearly 12.5 trillion cu ft (0.35 trillion cu m).
Colorado's coal output, which reached a peak of some 19 million short tons in 1981, had declined during the 1980s, but rose back to 29.1 million metric tons in 2000. In 2000 Colorado's total per capita energy consumption was 279 million Btu (70.3 million kcal), ranking it 41st among the states.
Colorado holds the major portion of the nation's proved oil shale reserves. Because of its ample sunshine and wind, Colorado is also well suited to renewable energy development. Among the many energy-related facilities in the state is the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden.