Falling to a series low
South Africa Primary Energy Consumption moved from 5.10 Exajoules in 2015 to 4.85 Exajoules in 2023 (−4.9%), an average of −0.6% a year. The series high was 5.35 Exajoules in 2019 and the low 4.85 Exajoules in 2023.
What South Africa Primary Energy Consumption shows
South Africa Primary Energy Consumption was 4.85 Exajoules in 2023, down 0.4% on 2022. The Primary Energy Consumption dataset of South Africa 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 9.3% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2019) and low (2023) is 0.500 Exajoules. The sharpest single-year move was −6.4% in 2020.
Ranks 21 of 37 countries covered
Among the 37 countries in this dataset, South Africa ranks 21 for 2023, behind China (170.7 Exajoules) and U.S. (94.28 Exajoules). It accounts for 0.8% of the global total in 2023.
Full series
South Africa 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 Trough | 4.85 | −0.4% |
| 2022 | 4.87 | −3.8% |
| 2021 | 5.06 | +1% |
| 2020 | 5.01 | −6.4% |
| 2019Peak | 5.35 | +4.5% |
| 2018 | 5.12 | −3.8% |
| 2017 | 5.32 | −0.4% |
| 2016 | 5.34 | +4.7% |
| 2015 | 5.10 | — |
Regional context
How South Africa compares across countries
Primary Energy Consumption by country, 2023, Exajoules. South Africa is highlighted.
1China170.7
2U.S.94.28
3Russia31.29
4Japan17.40
5Canada13.95
6Brazil13.87
7South Korea12.43
21South Africa4.85
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.
South Africa recorded primary energy consumption of 5.10 EJ in 2015, increasing to 5.34 EJ in 2016. Consumption slightly declined to 5.32 EJ in 2017 and decreased further to 5.12 EJ in 2018. In 2019, energy consumption increased to 5.35 EJ before declining to 5.01 EJ in 2020 due to economic disruptions and reduced energy demand. Consumption recovered slightly in 2021, reaching 5.06 EJ, but declined to 4.87 EJ in 2022. In 2023, South Africa recorded primary energy consumption of 4.85 EJ, representing the lowest level during the observed period.
Overall, the dataset demonstrates a gradual declining trend in South Africa’s primary energy consumption between 2015 and 2023, with fluctuations influenced by economic conditions and energy demand changes. The decline after 2019 reflects reduced consumption levels and ongoing adjustments within the energy sector. The trend highlights challenges and transformations within the country’s energy landscape.
The dataset is valuable for evaluating South Africa’s energy consumption patterns, analyzing long-term demand changes, and comparing regional energy trends. It supports research related to energy planning, sustainability initiatives, infrastructure development, and resource management. Furthermore, the data provides important insights for researchers, analysts, and policymakers studying energy efficiency, energy security, and future opportunities for South Africa’s energy transition.
- Indicator
- Primary Energy Consumption
- Country
- South Africa
- Region
- Africa
- Unit
- Exajoules
- Coverage
- 2015–2023, annual
- Category
- Energy & Power
- Last updated
- August 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 South Africa 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 South Africa Primary Energy Consumption in 2023?
South Africa Primary Energy Consumption was 4.85 Exajoules in 2023, down 0.4% on 2022.
How has South Africa Primary Energy Consumption changed between 2015 and 2023?
South Africa Primary Energy Consumption moved from 5.10 Exajoules in 2015 to 4.85 Exajoules in 2023 (−4.9%), an average of −0.6% a year. The series high was 5.35 Exajoules in 2019 and the low 4.85 Exajoules in 2023.
Which year had the highest and lowest South Africa Primary Energy Consumption?
The highest value was 5.35 Exajoules in 2019 and the lowest was 4.85 Exajoules in 2023.
What does the South Africa 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 South Africa 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.