Global primary energy consumption 2010-2023, by region

The Asia Pacific region consumes the most primary energy in the world, at around 291.8 exajoules in 2023. Primary energy consumption is the use of crude energy prior to refining or conversion. Consumption of primary energy is generally increasing worldwide and has risen in Asia-Pacific by more than 95 exajoules since 2010. 

Countries with the energy highest consumption

North America follows Asia Pacific as the world’s second-largest consumer of primary energy, consuming 117 exajoules. High consumption levels in Asia Pacific and North America come in large part from China and the United States. Rapid industrial growth and a growing middle class, have resulted in energy consumption in China to more than quadruple since 2000.

Growth and common energy sources

While primary energy use has steadily increased across the globe, renewable energy consumption has more than tripled since 2000. Nevertheless, renewables remain among the least-used primary energy source, just above nuclear power. Fossil fuels, such as oil and coal, are consumed at a higher volume than any other type of primary energy source in the world.