Lower over the period
Canada Primary Energy Consumption moved from 14.47 Exajoules in 2015 to 13.95 Exajoules in 2023 (−3.6%), an average of −0.5% a year. The series high was 14.72 Exajoules in 2018 and the low 13.76 Exajoules in 2020.
What Canada Primary Energy Consumption shows
Canada Primary Energy Consumption was 13.95 Exajoules in 2023, down 2.4% on 2022. The Primary Energy Consumption dataset of Canada from 2015 to 2023 provides a comprehensive overview of the country’s energy consumption landscape, highlighting total energy demand, consumption patterns, and long-term changes in the overall energy system.
A 6.5% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2018) and low (2020) is 0.960 Exajoules. The sharpest single-year move was −6% in 2020.
Ranks 5 of 37 countries covered
Among the 37 countries in this dataset, Canada ranks 5 for 2023, behind China (170.7 Exajoules) and U.S. (94.28 Exajoules). It accounts for 2.3% of the global total in 2023.
Full series
Canada Primary Energy Consumption by year
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Exajoules.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Year | Exajoules | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 13.95 | −2.4% |
| 2022 | 14.30 | +2.7% |
| 2021 | 13.92 | +1.2% |
| 2020 Trough | 13.76 | −6% |
| 2019 | 14.64 | −0.5% |
| 2018Peak | 14.72 | +1.2% |
| 2017 | 14.54 | +1.4% |
| 2016 | 14.34 | −0.9% |
| 2015 | 14.47 | — |
Regional context
How Canada compares in North America
Primary Energy Consumption by country, 2023, Exajoules. Canada is highlighted.
1U.S.94.28
2Canada13.95
3Mexico8.45
Data definition
Inclusions and exclusions
Primary Energy Consumption — - Primary Energy Consumption refers to the total amount of energy consumed by a country before conversion into secondary energy forms such as electricity, heat, or refined fuels. It represents the consumption of energy from primary sources including fossil fuels, nuclear energy, and renewable energy sources within a given year. The metric is generally measured in Exajoules (EJ) and provides an overview of a country’s overall energy demand, economic activity, industrial development, and energy system structure. Primary Energy Consumption is an important indicator for evaluating energy usage patterns, resource dependence, energy security, and long-term energy transition trends across countries.
The data includes consumption of primary energy from major energy sources such as coal, crude oil, natural gas, nuclear energy, hydroelectricity, wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, and other renewable energy sources. It covers energy used across different sectors, including industrial, residential, commercial, transportation, and power generation activities. The dataset accounts for energy input before transformation into secondary energy products, allowing measurement of total energy demand at the national level. It includes domestically consumed energy and follows standardized calculation methodologies based on energy statistics from national sources and international energy databases, enabling comparison of energy consumption trends among countries.
The data excludes secondary energy products after conversion, such as electricity and refined petroleum products, when measured separately from their original primary energy inputs. It does not represent only electricity consumption or final energy consumption by end users. The indicator does not directly measure energy efficiency, energy affordability, carbon emissions, or the quality and reliability of energy services. Energy losses occurring during energy transformation, distribution, and transmission are accounted for according to the methodology used but do not represent actual useful energy consumed by consumers. Minor differences may occur due to variations in national statistical reporting, estimation methods, and energy accounting practices.
About this indicator
Primary Energy Consumption — - Primary Energy Consumption refers to the total amount of energy consumed by a country before conversion into secondary energy forms such as electricity, heat, or refined fuels. It represents the consumption of energy from primary sources including fossil fuels, nuclear energy, and renewable energy sources within a given year. The metric is generally measured in Exajoules (EJ) and provides an overview of a country’s overall energy demand, economic activity, industrial development, and energy system structure. Primary Energy Consumption is an important indicator for evaluating energy usage patterns, resource dependence, energy security, and long-term energy transition trends across countries.
Measured in Exajoules (EJ), the dataset represents the total primary energy consumed across the country and serves as an important indicator of energy utilization, economic activity, and infrastructure development.
Canada recorded primary energy consumption of 14.47 EJ in 2015, followed by a minor decrease to 14.34 EJ in 2016. Consumption increased to 14.54 EJ in 2017 and continued rising to 14.72 EJ in 2018, indicating higher energy demand during this period. In 2019, consumption slightly declined to 14.64 EJ before decreasing further to 13.76 EJ in 2020 due to reduced economic activity and changes in energy demand patterns. Consumption gradually recovered in 2021, reaching 13.92 EJ, and increased further to 14.30 EJ in 2022. In 2023, primary energy consumption recorded 13.95 EJ, showing a slight moderation while remaining close to previous levels.
Overall, the dataset reflects a stable primary energy consumption pattern with limited year-to-year fluctuations throughout the observed period. The decline in 2020 represents the most notable change, followed by gradual recovery in subsequent years. The consistent consumption range highlights Canada’s established energy infrastructure and stable energy requirements across residential, commercial, industrial, and transportation sectors.
The dataset is useful for evaluating energy consumption trends, comparing national energy demand levels, and understanding long-term changes in energy utilization. It supports analysis related to energy policy development, sustainability planning, infrastructure evaluation, and resource management. Furthermore, the data provides important insights for researchers, analysts, and policymakers studying energy efficiency, consumption behavior, and the future direction of Canada’s energy landscape.
- Indicator
- Primary Energy Consumption
- Country
- Canada
- Region
- North America
- Unit
- Exajoules
- Coverage
- 2015–2023, annual
- Category
- Energy & Power
- Last updated
- July 2026
- Source
- energyinst.org
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Frequently asked questions
What is Canada Primary Energy Consumption?
Definition- Primary Energy Consumption refers to the total amount of energy consumed by a country before conversion into secondary energy forms such as electricity, heat, or refined fuels. It represents the consumption of energy from primary sources including fossil fuels, nuclear energy, and renewable energy sources within a given year. The metric is generally measured in Exajoules (EJ) and provides an overview of a country’s overall energy demand, economic activity, industrial development, and energy system structure. Primary Energy Consumption is an important indicator for evaluating energy usage patterns, resource dependence, energy security, and long-term energy transition trends across countries.
What was Canada Primary Energy Consumption in 2023?
Canada Primary Energy Consumption was 13.95 Exajoules in 2023, down 2.4% on 2022.
How has Canada Primary Energy Consumption changed between 2015 and 2023?
Canada Primary Energy Consumption moved from 14.47 Exajoules in 2015 to 13.95 Exajoules in 2023 (−3.6%), an average of −0.5% a year. The series high was 14.72 Exajoules in 2018 and the low 13.76 Exajoules in 2020.
Which year had the highest and lowest Canada Primary Energy Consumption?
The highest value was 14.72 Exajoules in 2018 and the lowest was 13.76 Exajoules in 2020.
What does the Canada Primary Energy Consumption data include and exclude?
Included: The data includes consumption of primary energy from major energy sources such as coal, crude oil, natural gas, nuclear energy, hydroelectricity, wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, and other renewable energy sources. It covers energy used across different sectors, including industrial, residential, commercial, transportation, and power generation activities. The dataset accounts for energy input before transformation into secondary energy products, allowing measurement of total energy demand at the national level. It includes domestically consumed energy and follows standardized calculation methodologies based on energy statistics from national sources and international energy databases, enabling comparison of energy consumption trends among countries. Excluded: The data excludes secondary energy products after conversion, such as electricity and refined petroleum products, when measured separately from their original primary energy inputs. It does not represent only electricity consumption or final energy consumption by end users. The indicator does not directly measure energy efficiency, energy affordability, carbon emissions, or the quality and reliability of energy services. Energy losses occurring during energy transformation, distribution, and transmission are accounted for according to the methodology used but do not represent actual useful energy consumed by consumers. Minor differences may occur due to variations in national statistical reporting, estimation methods, and energy accounting practices.
Where does the Canada Primary Energy Consumption data come from?
The series is sourced from energyinst.org (https://www.energyinst.org/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1542714/684_EI_Stat_Review_V16_DIGITAL.pdf). It covers 2015–2023 and is reported in Exajoules.
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