Rising to a series high
Global Primary Energy Consumption moved from 547.3 Exajoules in 2015 to 619.6 Exajoules in 2023 (+13.2%), an average of +1.6% a year. The series high was 619.6 Exajoules in 2023 and the low 547.3 Exajoules in 2015.
What Global Primary Energy Consumption shows
Global Primary Energy Consumption was 619.6 Exajoules in 2023, up 2% on 2022. The Global primary energy consumption over the 2015–2023 period reflects the overall global energy landscape, highlighting worldwide energy demand patterns, consumption growth, and long-term changes across economies and regions.
A 11.7% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2023) and low (2015) is 72.30 Exajoules. The sharpest single-year move was +5.1% in 2021.
China leads among 37 countries covered
Of the 37 countries in this dataset, China, U.S. and Russia have the highest values in 2023 (170.7, 94.28, 31.29 Exajoules respectively).
Country ranking
Primary Energy Consumption by country, 2023
Exajoules. Sort by any column, or search for a country.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Rank↕ | Country↕ | Share of top | Exajoules↕ | vs 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 170.7 | +6.5% | |
| 2 | U.S. | 94.28 | −1.2% | |
| 3 | Russia | 31.29 | +0.7% | |
| 4 | Japan | 17.40 | −3.4% | |
| 5 | Canada | 13.95 | −2.4% | |
| 6 | Brazil | 13.87 | +3.2% | |
| 7 | South Korea | 12.43 | −2.5% | |
| 8 | Saudi Arabia | 11.60 | +2.3% | |
| 9 | Germany | 11.41 | −7.2% | |
| 10 | Indonesia | 10.10 | +0.5% | |
| 11 | France | 8.66 | +4.7% | |
| 12 | Mexico | 8.45 | +3.3% | |
| 13 | Turkey | 7.00 | −1.4% | |
| 14 | UK | 6.95 | −4.4% | |
| 15 | Australia | 6.02 | −13.8% | |
| 16 | Italy | 5.95 | −3.9% | |
| 17 | Spain | 5.66 | −1.2% | |
| 18 | UAE | 5.13 | +5.1% | |
| 19 | Thailand | 5.01 | +0.2% | |
| 20 | Vietnam | 4.89 | +9.2% | |
| 21 | South Africa | 4.85 | −0.4% | |
| 22 | Malaysia | 4.81 | +0.4% | |
| 23 | Taiwan | 4.53 | −4.6% | |
| 24 | Egypt | 3.94 | −1% | |
| 25 | Argentina | 3.67 | −1.1% | |
| 26 | Singapore | 3.47 | +9.5% | |
| 27 | Netherlands | 3.44 | 0% | |
| 28 | Kazakhstan | 2.98 | +1% | |
| 29 | Colombia | 2.26 | +2.7% | |
| 30 | Philippines | 2.19 | +6.3% | |
| 31 | Sweden | 2.15 | −4% | |
| 32 | Uzbekistan | 2.10 | −0.9% | |
| 33 | Chile | 1.81 | 0% | |
| 34 | Turkmenistan | 1.60 | −1.8% | |
| 35 | Finland | 1.20 | +4.3% | |
| 36 | Israel | 1.11 | 0% | |
| 37 | India | 0.900 | +15.4% |
By region
Primary Energy Consumption by region
Exajoules, 2023. Each bar is that region's total.
Full series
Global 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 | 619.6 | +2% |
| 2022 | 607.4 | +1.8% |
| 2021 | 596.6 | +5.1% |
| 2020 | 567.6 | −3.5% |
| 2019 | 588.1 | +1.1% |
| 2018 | 581.5 | +2.7% |
| 2017 | 566.1 | +2.4% |
| 2016 | 553 | +1% |
| 2015 Trough | 547.3 | — |
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 globally, providing insights into energy utilization, economic development, industrial activity, and changes in global infrastructure requirements.
Global primary energy consumption recorded 547.33 EJ in 2015, increasing to 552.99 EJ in 2016 and 566.11 EJ in 2017. Consumption continued to rise, reaching 581.47 EJ in 2018 and 588.05 EJ in 2019, reflecting steady growth in global energy demand. In 2020, global consumption declined to 567.60 EJ due to reduced economic activity, industrial slowdown, and changes in energy consumption patterns. The global energy market recovered strongly in 2021, reaching 596.62 EJ, followed by further growth to 607.35 EJ in 2022. In 2023, global primary energy consumption reached 619.63 EJ, representing the highest level during the observed period.
The overall trend demonstrates continuous expansion in global energy requirements, supported by economic growth, population increase, urbanization, industrial development, and rising demand for electricity and transportation energy. The temporary decline in 2020 was followed by a strong recovery, indicating resilience in global energy consumption patterns and continued dependence on primary energy resources.
From an analytical perspective, the dataset provides a comprehensive view of global energy demand evolution and supports comparisons across regions, countries, and economic sectors. It is valuable for assessing energy security, infrastructure planning, sustainability strategies, and long-term energy transition pathways.
Overall, the data highlights a steadily increasing global energy consumption pattern, where future priorities are expected to focus on improving energy efficiency, expanding renewable energy integration, strengthening infrastructure resilience, and supporting the transition toward cleaner and more sustainable energy systems worldwide.
- Indicator
- Primary Energy Consumption
- Region
- Global
- Unit
- Exajoules
- Coverage
- 2015–2023, annual
- Category
- Energy & Power
- Last updated
- July 2026
- Source
- energyinst.org
Cite this dataset
Using this data in a report, paper or presentation? Copy a formatted citation.
Copied
Frequently asked questions
What is Global 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 Global Primary Energy Consumption in 2023?
Global Primary Energy Consumption was 619.6 Exajoules in 2023, up 2% on 2022.
How has Global Primary Energy Consumption changed between 2015 and 2023?
Global Primary Energy Consumption moved from 547.3 Exajoules in 2015 to 619.6 Exajoules in 2023 (+13.2%), an average of +1.6% a year. The series high was 619.6 Exajoules in 2023 and the low 547.3 Exajoules in 2015.
Which year had the highest and lowest Global Primary Energy Consumption?
The highest value was 619.6 Exajoules in 2023 and the lowest was 547.3 Exajoules in 2015.
What does the Global 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 Global 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.
Need more data?
Get in touch with our research team
Need a longer historical series, a custom country set, additional dimensions, or a tailored dataset? Send us your requirement.