Primary energy - global consumption 2000-2019

Consumption of primary energy worldwide reached nearly 584 exajoules in 2019. In comparison, primary energy consumption in 2000 stood at roughly 395 exajoules. Overall, global energy consumption is projected to increase over the next few decades.

Effect of the financial crisis

Consumption of energy rose consistently every year over the last two decades except for in 2009, following the global financial crisis. When crude oil prices reached a peak in 2008, primary energy use decreased. Prices dropped by nearly a third in 2009, but consumption quickly rose to a new record high the year after.

Most common types of fuel

Oil is the most-used primary energy source in the world, followed by other fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas. Each of these three sources had consumption levels of more than 100 exajoules in 2019, while other fuel types were consumed considerably less. In recent years, renewables have become a more frequently used source of primary energy and worldwide investment in clean energy has increased six-fold since 2004.