Falling to a series low
UK Primary Energy Consumption moved from 8.21 Exajoules in 2015 to 6.95 Exajoules in 2023 (−15.3%), an average of −2.1% a year. The series high was 8.21 Exajoules in 2015 and the low 6.95 Exajoules in 2023.
What UK Primary Energy Consumption shows
UK Primary Energy Consumption was 6.95 Exajoules in 2023, down 4.4% on 2022. The Primary Energy Consumption dataset of the United Kingdom 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 15.3% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2015) and low (2023) is 1.26 Exajoules. The sharpest single-year move was −10.4% in 2020.
Ranks 14 of 37 countries covered
Among the 37 countries in this dataset, UK ranks 14 for 2023, behind China (170.7 Exajoules) and U.S. (94.28 Exajoules). It accounts for 1.1% of the global total in 2023.
Full series
UK 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 | 6.95 | −4.4% |
| 2022 | 7.27 | +1.4% |
| 2021 | 7.17 | +1% |
| 2020 | 7.10 | −10.4% |
| 2019 | 7.92 | −2.1% |
| 2018 | 8.09 | −0.1% |
| 2017 | 8.10 | +0.2% |
| 2016 | 8.08 | −1.6% |
| 2015Peak | 8.21 | — |
Regional context
How UK compares in Europe
Primary Energy Consumption by country, 2023, Exajoules. UK is highlighted.
1Germany11.41
2France8.66
3Turkey7.00
4UK6.95
5Italy5.95
6Spain5.66
7Netherlands3.44
8Sweden2.15
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.
The United Kingdom recorded primary energy consumption of 8.21 EJ in 2015, followed by a decrease to 8.08 EJ in 2016. Consumption remained almost stable at 8.10 EJ in 2017 and 8.09 EJ in 2018 before declining to 7.92 EJ in 2019. In 2020, primary energy consumption decreased significantly to 7.10 EJ due to reduced economic activity and changes in energy demand patterns. Consumption showed a slight recovery in 2021, reaching 7.17 EJ, and increased further to 7.27 EJ in 2022. However, in 2023, energy consumption declined to 6.95 EJ, representing the lowest value recorded during the observed period.
Overall, the dataset demonstrates a gradual downward trend in the United Kingdom’s primary energy consumption between 2015 and 2023. The decline reflects improvements in energy efficiency, changing consumption behavior, and structural changes within the national energy system. The temporary reduction in 2020 highlights the impact of external disruptions, while the limited recovery afterward indicates a transition toward more efficient energy utilization.
The dataset is valuable for analyzing energy demand trends, evaluating long-term consumption changes, and comparing the United Kingdom’s energy profile with other economies. It supports research related to energy policy, sustainability planning, infrastructure assessment, and resource management. Furthermore, the data provides a reliable foundation for understanding future energy requirements, assessing energy transition progress, and studying the relationship between energy consumption, economic performance, and environmental objectives.
- Indicator
- Primary Energy Consumption
- Country
- UK
- Region
- Europe
- 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 UK 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 UK Primary Energy Consumption in 2023?
UK Primary Energy Consumption was 6.95 Exajoules in 2023, down 4.4% on 2022.
How has UK Primary Energy Consumption changed between 2015 and 2023?
UK Primary Energy Consumption moved from 8.21 Exajoules in 2015 to 6.95 Exajoules in 2023 (−15.3%), an average of −2.1% a year. The series high was 8.21 Exajoules in 2015 and the low 6.95 Exajoules in 2023.
Which year had the highest and lowest UK Primary Energy Consumption?
The highest value was 8.21 Exajoules in 2015 and the lowest was 6.95 Exajoules in 2023.
What does the UK 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 UK 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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