Global industrial energy consumption 2020-2050, by source

The global industrial sector uses more coal than any other type of fuel, consuming 64.4 quadrillion British thermal units in 2020. On the other hand, the use of renewables is expected to rise, as the cost for renewable energy technologies such as wind and solar power decrease. By 2050, liquid fuels is expected to be the most used fuel type worldwide, with a consumption of some 98 quadrillion British thermal units.

Predictions for global energy consumption

Global consumption of fuel for industrial purposes is predicted to reach over 300 quadrillion British thermal units in 2050. Rising demand follows a trend of rising projected global energy consumption until at least 2040 in all sectors. The demand for fuel is expected to continue experiencing growth for non-renewable sources, such as liquid fuels.

U.S. Energy use by sector

Since the 1970s, the industrial sector has been the largest consumer of energy in the United States. Transportation and commercial consumption have increased the most, with consumption by the commercial sector nearly doubled since 1975. Primary energy consumption from fossil fuel sources in the United States is highest in the transportation sector.