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ENVS 243: Energy

Strategies for Finding Data

Data to support your research in environmental studies can come from a variety of sources, and may be collected and produced by researchers and scholars in a variety of disciplines too. Some strategies for finding data:

  • Look for peer-reviewed journal articles that publish primary scientific research.
  • Data is often published in technical reports.
  • Reference sources often have data, including especially time series and historical data.
  • Use some of the web sites listed below.

Monthly Energy Review

The Monthly Energy Review (MER) is the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s primary report of recent energy statistics. Included are total energy production, consumption, and trade; energy prices; overviews of petroleum, natural gas, coal, electricity, nuclear energy, renewable energy, and international petroleum; carbon dioxide emissions; and data unit conversions.

Data Sources Focusing on Energy

Below are some other sources for data that might be useful for topics in environmental studies.

  • Alternative Fuels Data Center. A repository from the U.S. Dept. of Energy for alternative fuel performance data.
  • Biomass Energy Data Book. From the Oak Ridge National Laboratory; also see the links on the main page to: Buildings Energy Data Book; Hydrogen Data Book; Power Technologies Data Book.
  • Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. Collects and publishes data on all aspects of the offshore drilling program. 
  • Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Provides data and fact sheets for all types of transportation within the United States. 
  • International Energy Agency. "Collects, processes and publishes data and information on energy production, trade, stocks, transformation, consumption, prices and taxes as well as on greenhouse gas emissions."
  • NERL Data. Provides access to an extensive collection of renewable energy resource data, maps, and tools.
  • U.S. Energy Information Administration. Compiles data on all aspects of energy: energy use and supply, trends and forecasts, environmental impacts, sales and trade data.
  • World Energy Council has publications featuring data on energy and resources.