- Primary Energy Consumption per Capita refers to the total amount of primary energy consumed within a country divided by its total population in a given year.
Canada Primary Energy Consumption per Capita was 359.7 Gigajoule per Capita in 2023, down 3.3% on 2022. The Primary Energy Consumption per Capita dataset of Canada from 2015 to 2023 provides a clear and consistent view of the country’s per person energy consumption landscape, highlighting individual energy usage patterns, consumption stability, and long-term energy demand trends.
Canada Primary Energy Consumption per Capita moved from 404.9 Gigajoule per Capita in 2015 to 359.7 Gigajoule per Capita in 2023 (−11.2%), an average of −1.5% a year. The series high was 404.9 Gigajoule per Capita in 2015 and the low 359.7 Gigajoule per Capita in 2023.
The gap between the series high (2015) and low (2023) is 45.20 Gigajoule per Capita. The sharpest single-year move was −7% in 2020.
Among the 37 countries in this dataset, Canada ranks 3 for 2023, behind Singapore (577 Gigajoule per Capita) and UAE (539.4 Gigajoule per Capita). The global figure for 2023 is 77.00 Gigajoule per Capita, so Canada is above it.
Full series
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Gigajoule per Capita.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Year | Gigajoule per Capita | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Trough | 359.7 | −3.3% |
| 2022 | 371.8 | +1.9% |
| 2021 | 364.9 | +0.5% |
| 2020 | 363.1 | −7% |
| 2019 | 390.3 | −1.8% |
| 2018 | 397.6 | 0% |
| 2017 | 397.7 | +0.2% |
| 2016 | 397.1 | −1.9% |
| 2015Peak | 404.9 | — |
Regional context
Primary Energy Consumption per Capita by country, 2023, Gigajoule per Capita. Canada is highlighted.
Data definition
Primary Energy Consumption per Capita — - Primary Energy Consumption per Capita refers to the total amount of primary energy consumed within a country divided by its total population in a given year. It is expressed as energy per person, typically measured in tonnes of oil equivalent (toe) per capita or gigajoules (GJ) per capita, depending on the dataset. This indicator reflects the average energy use of an individual in a country and provides insight into national energy intensity, living standards, industrialization levels, and economic structure. It is widely used to compare energy consumption patterns across countries and to assess trends in energy demand relative to population size.
The data includes total primary energy consumption from all major sources such as coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear energy, hydroelectric power, and renewable energy sources including wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal. It considers the full national energy supply before conversion losses and divides it by the mid-year population to derive per capita values. The indicator covers energy used across all sectors, including residential, industrial, commercial, transportation, and power generation activities. It reflects both direct energy use and energy used for electricity generation and other transformation processes, ensuring a comprehensive representation of national energy demand per person.
The data excludes energy consumption after transformation into final energy forms such as electricity and refined petroleum products when considered separately from primary inputs. It does not isolate sector-specific per capita consumption (e.g., industrial or household-only energy use). The indicator does not account for energy efficiency, affordability, or access disparities among population groups. It also does not measure emissions, environmental impacts, or energy service quality such as reliability and continuity of supply. Differences in statistical methodologies, conversion factors, and population estimation methods across countries may result in minor variations in comparability.
Primary Energy Consumption per Capita — - Primary Energy Consumption per Capita refers to the total amount of primary energy consumed within a country divided by its total population in a given year. It is expressed as energy per person, typically measured in tonnes of oil equivalent (toe) per capita or gigajoules (GJ) per capita, depending on the dataset. This indicator reflects the average energy use of an individual in a country and provides insight into national energy intensity, living standards, industrialization levels, and economic structure. It is widely used to compare energy consumption patterns across countries and to assess trends in energy demand relative to population size.
Measured in Gigajoules per capita (GJ per capita), the dataset reflects the average amount of primary energy consumed per person and serves as an important indicator of energy utilization, economic activity, and resource consumption efficiency.
Canada recorded primary energy consumption per capita of 404.9 GJ in 2015, declining to 397.1 GJ in 2016 before increasing marginally to 397.7 GJ in 2017. Consumption remained nearly unchanged at 397.6 GJ in 2018 and declined to 390.3 GJ in 2019. In 2020, per capita energy consumption decreased significantly to 363.1 GJ, reflecting reduced economic activity and lower energy demand. The indicator recovered modestly to 364.9 GJ in 2021 and increased further to 371.8 GJ in 2022. In 2023, primary energy consumption per capita declined to 359.7 GJ, marking the lowest level during the observed period.
Overall, the dataset demonstrates a gradual downward trend between 2015 and 2023, with moderate year-over-year fluctuations and a noticeable decline during 2020. Although partial recovery was observed in 2021 and 2022, consumption remained below pre-pandemic levels by 2023. The trend reflects changes in energy demand, economic conditions, and evolving energy consumption patterns while maintaining comparatively high per capita energy use.
The dataset is useful for benchmarking per capita energy consumption against other countries, evaluating long-term energy demand trends, and assessing improvements in energy efficiency. It supports comparative studies, policy development, and sustainability assessments related to energy utilization. Additionally, the data provides a reliable basis for forecasting future consumption patterns and understanding the relationship between per capita energy use, economic growth, and infrastructure development.
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Definition- Primary Energy Consumption per Capita refers to the total amount of primary energy consumed within a country divided by its total population in a given year. It is expressed as energy per person, typically measured in tonnes of oil equivalent (toe) per capita or gigajoules (GJ) per capita, depending on the dataset. This indicator reflects the average energy use of an individual in a country and provides insight into national energy intensity, living standards, industrialization levels, and economic structure. It is widely used to compare energy consumption patterns across countries and to assess trends in energy demand relative to population size.
Canada Primary Energy Consumption per Capita was 359.7 Gigajoule per Capita in 2023, down 3.3% on 2022.
Canada Primary Energy Consumption per Capita moved from 404.9 Gigajoule per Capita in 2015 to 359.7 Gigajoule per Capita in 2023 (−11.2%), an average of −1.5% a year. The series high was 404.9 Gigajoule per Capita in 2015 and the low 359.7 Gigajoule per Capita in 2023.
The highest value was 404.9 Gigajoule per Capita in 2015 and the lowest was 359.7 Gigajoule per Capita in 2023.
Included: The data includes total primary energy consumption from all major sources such as coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear energy, hydroelectric power, and renewable energy sources including wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal. It considers the full national energy supply before conversion losses and divides it by the mid-year population to derive per capita values. The indicator covers energy used across all sectors, including residential, industrial, commercial, transportation, and power generation activities. It reflects both direct energy use and energy used for electricity generation and other transformation processes, ensuring a comprehensive representation of national energy demand per person. Excluded: The data excludes energy consumption after transformation into final energy forms such as electricity and refined petroleum products when considered separately from primary inputs. It does not isolate sector-specific per capita consumption (e.g., industrial or household-only energy use). The indicator does not account for energy efficiency, affordability, or access disparities among population groups. It also does not measure emissions, environmental impacts, or energy service quality such as reliability and continuity of supply. Differences in statistical methodologies, conversion factors, and population estimation methods across countries may result in minor variations in comparability.
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 Gigajoule per Capita.
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