Global primary energy consumption 2010-2021, by region

The Asia Pacific region consumes the most primary energy in the world, at around 272.5 exajoules in 2021. 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 75 exajoules since 2010.

Countries with the highest consumption

North America follows Asia Pacific as the world’s second-largest consumer of primary energy, consuming 113.7 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 annual per capita energy consumption of households in China to nearly double since 2008.

Growth and common energy sources

While primary energy use has steadily increased across the globe, renewable energy consumption has more than quadrupled since 2008. Nevertheless, renewables remain amongst 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.