In the United States, wood currently used for energy is primarily for residential heating purposes (~ 91% in 2000), with some industrial heat, steam, and electricity uses.
The USDA Forest Service reports that total fuelwood use declined between 1986 and 2000, but is projected to increase steadily by 2050 (3.46 billion ft3; ~ 51.9 million dry tons).
Regionally, the South is the largest user of fuelwood, with the Northeast second in use.
Changes in policy, such as the establishment of renewable portfolio standards for electricity generation, could substantially alter the amount of fuelwood used for energy purposes.