Energy, Water, and Carbon Informatics

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) produced the first diagrams illustrating U.S. national commodity use in the mid-1970s. The most widely recognized of these charts is the U.S. energy flow chart. LLNL has also published charts depicting carbon (or carbon dioxide potential) flow and water flow at the national level as well as energy, carbon, and water flows at the international, state, municipal, and organizational (e.g., Air Force) level. Flow charts, also referred to as Sankey Diagrams, are single-page references that contain quantitative data about resource, commodity, and byproduct flows in a graphical form. These flow charts help scientists, analysts, and other decision makers to visualize the complex interrelationships involved in managing our nation’s resources.

In the news

"Carbon emissions, energy flow charts for all U.S. states" LLNL news release, July 28, 2020.

"Everything You Need to Know About the Energy Flowcharts"YouTube, May 2020.

"Americans used less energy in 2019"

LLNL news release, April 8, 2020.

"U.S. energy use rises to highest level ever"

LLNL news release, April 11, 2019.

"Americans used more clean energy in 2016"

LLNL news release, April 10, 2017.

"Americans used less energy in 2015

LLNL news release, April 19, 2016.

"How to read an energy flowchart." A YouTube video

Americans using more energy according to Lawrence Livermore analysis

LLNL news release, April 2, 2014.

Energy Goes With the Flow

Science and Technology Review, September 2009.