Broadly stable
North America Primary Energy Consumption moved from 115.1 Exajoules in 2015 to 116.7 Exajoules in 2023 (+1.4%), an average of +0.2% a year. The series high was 119.2 Exajoules in 2018 and the low 109.8 Exajoules in 2020.
What North America Primary Energy Consumption shows
North America Primary Energy Consumption was 116.7 Exajoules in 2023, down 1% on 2022. The North America regional primary energy consumption over the 2015–2023 period reflects a highly developed and energy-intensive market, highlighting overall energy demand patterns, consumption fluctuations, and long-term changes across the region.
A 8% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2018) and low (2020) is 9.50 Exajoules. The sharpest single-year move was −7.3% in 2020.
U.S. leads the region
Within North America, U.S. has the highest value in 2023 at 94.28 Exajoules, 80.8% of the regional total.
Country ranking
Primary Energy Consumption by country, 2023
Exajoules. Sort by any column, or search for a country.
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By region
Primary Energy Consumption by region
Exajoules, 2023. Each bar is that region's total.
Full series
North America Primary Energy Consumption by year
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Exajoules.
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| Year | Exajoules | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 116.7 | −1% |
| 2022 | 117.9 | +2.3% |
| 2021 | 115.2 | +5% |
| 2020 Trough | 109.8 | −7.3% |
| 2019 | 118.4 | −0.7% |
| 2018Peak | 119.3 | +3% |
| 2017 | 115.8 | +0.6% |
| 2016 | 115.1 | 0% |
| 2015 | 115.1 | — |
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 North America, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and provides insights into regional energy utilization, economic activity, and infrastructure development.
North America recorded primary energy consumption of 115.10 EJ in 2015, followed by 115.07 EJ in 2016. Consumption increased to 115.76 EJ in 2017 and reached 119.25 EJ in 2018, representing the highest level during the observed period. In 2019, energy consumption declined slightly to 118.40 EJ before decreasing significantly to 109.75 EJ in 2020 due to reduced economic activity and changing energy demand conditions. The region recovered in 2021 with consumption reaching 115.20 EJ, followed by growth to 117.90 EJ in 2022. In 2023, North America recorded 116.68 EJ, indicating a stable energy demand environment.
The United States remained the largest contributor to regional consumption, recording 92.69 EJ in 2015 and 94.28 EJ in 2023. Canada maintained a relatively stable consumption pattern, changing from 14.47 EJ in 2015 to 13.95 EJ in 2023. Mexico showed gradual growth, increasing from 7.94 EJ in 2015 to 8.45 EJ in 2023, reflecting expanding energy requirements.
Overall, the dataset demonstrates a mature energy market with short-term fluctuations influenced by economic conditions and demand changes. Future developments in North America are increasingly focused on energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, infrastructure modernization, and improved system resilience. The dataset supports comparative analysis, investment planning, sustainability evaluation, and regional energy policy assessment. It provides valuable insights into consumption trends, infrastructure development, and the transition toward a more efficient and sustainable energy ecosystem.
- Indicator
- Primary Energy Consumption
- 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 North America 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 North America Primary Energy Consumption in 2023?
North America Primary Energy Consumption was 116.7 Exajoules in 2023, down 1% on 2022.
How has North America Primary Energy Consumption changed between 2015 and 2023?
North America Primary Energy Consumption moved from 115.1 Exajoules in 2015 to 116.7 Exajoules in 2023 (+1.4%), an average of +0.2% a year. The series high was 119.2 Exajoules in 2018 and the low 109.8 Exajoules in 2020.
Which year had the highest and lowest North America Primary Energy Consumption?
The highest value was 119.2 Exajoules in 2018 and the lowest was 109.8 Exajoules in 2020.
What does the North America 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 North America 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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