Rising to a series high
China Primary Energy Consumption moved from 126.5 Exajoules in 2015 to 170.7 Exajoules in 2023 (+35%), an average of +3.8% a year. The series high was 170.7 Exajoules in 2023 and the low 126.5 Exajoules in 2015.
What China Primary Energy Consumption shows
China Primary Energy Consumption was 170.7 Exajoules in 2023, up 6.5% on 2022. The Primary Energy Consumption dataset of China 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 25.9% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2023) and low (2015) is 44.25 Exajoules. The sharpest single-year move was +8.1% in 2019.
Ranks 1 of 37 countries covered
Among the 37 countries in this dataset, China ranks 1 for 2023. It accounts for 27.6% of the global total in 2023.
Full series
China 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2023Peak | 170.7 | +6.5% |
| 2022 | 160.3 | +1.5% |
| 2021 | 157.9 | +5.7% |
| 2020 | 149.4 | +3.2% |
| 2019 | 144.7 | +8.1% |
| 2018 | 133.8 | +1.4% |
| 2017 | 131.9 | +3.9% |
| 2016 | 127 | +0.4% |
| 2015 Trough | 126.5 | — |
Regional context
How China compares in Asia-Pacific
Primary Energy Consumption by country, 2023, Exajoules. China is highlighted.
1China170.7
2Japan17.40
3South Korea12.43
4Indonesia10.10
5Australia6.02
6Thailand5.01
7Vietnam4.89
8Malaysia4.81
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.
China recorded primary energy consumption of 126.49 EJ in 2015, followed by a slight increase to 127.00 EJ in 2016. Consumption continued to rise significantly, reaching 131.94 EJ in 2017 and 133.82 EJ in 2018. In 2019, energy consumption increased further to 144.68 EJ, reflecting strong industrial activity and growing energy demand. The upward trend continued in 2020, with consumption reaching 149.38 EJ despite global economic disruptions. China recorded further growth in 2021 at 157.85 EJ, followed by 160.26 EJ in 2022. In 2023, primary energy consumption reached 170.74 EJ, representing the highest value during the observed period.
Overall, the dataset demonstrates a strong and consistent upward trend in China’s primary energy consumption between 2015 and 2023. Unlike many economies that experienced fluctuations during the period, China maintained continuous growth in energy demand, supported by industrial expansion, economic development, urbanization, and infrastructure growth. The increasing consumption level highlights the country’s significant role in global energy demand.
The dataset is valuable for evaluating China’s energy consumption trends, understanding large-scale energy demand patterns, and comparing national energy usage with global markets. It supports research related to energy planning, sustainability strategies, infrastructure development, and resource management. Additionally, the data provides important insights for researchers, analysts, and policymakers studying energy security, consumption growth, efficiency improvements, and the future transformation of China’s energy landscape.
- Indicator
- Primary Energy Consumption
- Country
- China
- Region
- Asia-Pacific
- 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 China 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 China Primary Energy Consumption in 2023?
China Primary Energy Consumption was 170.7 Exajoules in 2023, up 6.5% on 2022.
How has China Primary Energy Consumption changed between 2015 and 2023?
China Primary Energy Consumption moved from 126.5 Exajoules in 2015 to 170.7 Exajoules in 2023 (+35%), an average of +3.8% a year. The series high was 170.7 Exajoules in 2023 and the low 126.5 Exajoules in 2015.
Which year had the highest and lowest China Primary Energy Consumption?
The highest value was 170.7 Exajoules in 2023 and the lowest was 126.5 Exajoules in 2015.
What does the China 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 China 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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