- 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.
South and Central America Primary Energy Consumption was 31.28 Exajoules in 2023, up 3% on 2022. The South and Central America regional primary energy consumption over the 2015–2023 period reflects a diverse and evolving energy market, highlighting overall energy demand patterns, consumption fluctuations, and long-term changes across the region.
South and Central America Primary Energy Consumption moved from 29.57 Exajoules in 2015 to 31.28 Exajoules in 2023 (+5.8%), an average of +0.7% a year. The series high was 31.28 Exajoules in 2023 and the low 26.92 Exajoules in 2020.
The gap between the series high (2023) and low (2020) is 4.36 Exajoules. The sharpest single-year move was −7.8% in 2020.
Within South and Central America, Brazil has the highest value in 2023 at 13.87 Exajoules, 44.3% of the regional total.
Country ranking
Exajoules. Sort by any column, or search for a country.
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By region
Exajoules, 2023. Each bar is that region's total.
Full series
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Exajoules.
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| Year | Exajoules | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023Peak | 31.28 | +3% |
| 2022 | 30.37 | +4.8% |
| 2021 | 28.99 | +7.7% |
| 2020 Trough | 26.92 | −7.8% |
| 2019 | 29.19 | −0.6% |
| 2018 | 29.37 | −0.9% |
| 2017 | 29.65 | +0.7% |
| 2016 | 29.44 | −0.4% |
| 2015 | 29.57 | — |
Data definition
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.
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 South and Central America, including Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and remaining regional countries, providing insights into energy utilization, economic activity, and infrastructure development.
South and Central America recorded primary energy consumption of 29.57 EJ in 2015, decreasing slightly to 29.44 EJ in 2016. Consumption increased to 29.65 EJ in 2017 before declining to 29.37 EJ in 2018 and 29.19 EJ in 2019. In 2020, regional consumption decreased to 26.92 EJ due to reduced economic activity and changing energy demand patterns. The region recovered in 2021, reaching 28.99 EJ, followed by growth to 30.37 EJ in 2022. In 2023, South and Central America recorded the highest consumption level of 31.28 EJ, reflecting continued regional energy demand.
Brazil remained the largest contributor, increasing from 12.66 EJ in 2015 to 13.87 EJ in 2023. Argentina showed moderate fluctuations, moving from 3.59 EJ to 3.67 EJ, while Chile increased from 1.49 EJ to 1.81 EJ. Colombia demonstrated growth from 1.74 EJ to 2.26 EJ, reflecting rising energy requirements. Remaining countries recorded changes from 10.09 EJ in 2015 to 9.67 EJ in 2023.
Overall, the dataset highlights gradual growth in regional primary energy consumption, influenced by economic development, industrial expansion, infrastructure growth, and rising energy needs. The temporary decline in 2020 was followed by recovery and continued expansion. The dataset supports energy analysis, policy evaluation, investment planning, and sustainability assessments, providing valuable insights into regional consumption trends and future energy transformation opportunities.
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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.
South and Central America Primary Energy Consumption was 31.28 Exajoules in 2023, up 3% on 2022.
South and Central America Primary Energy Consumption moved from 29.57 Exajoules in 2015 to 31.28 Exajoules in 2023 (+5.8%), an average of +0.7% a year. The series high was 31.28 Exajoules in 2023 and the low 26.92 Exajoules in 2020.
The highest value was 31.28 Exajoules in 2023 and the lowest was 26.92 Exajoules in 2020.
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.
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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