Primary energy consumption is forecast to reach roughly 364 million barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2045. Oil and gas are expected to maintain their dominant role in the global energy sector, with a contribution of approximately 110 and 90 million barrels of oil equivalent per day, respectively.
Which country consumes the most energy?
Since the beginning of the 21st century, there has been a general upward trend in the usage of primary energy. In 2023, approximately 620 exajoules of primary energy were consumed globally. China was the leading primary energy consumer in the world, consuming around 170.7 exajoules, while the United States came in second position.
Fossil fuels' ongoing dependence
Global primary energy consumption is dominated by fossil fuels, despite a steady shift toward sustainable alternatives. Although the share of fossil fuels in the energy mix has been decreasing, renewable energy is still not sufficient to meet the current and future energy demand.
Primary energy demand worldwide in 2023, with a forecast until 2050, by fuel type
(in million barrels of oil equivalent per day)
Characteristic
Oil
Coal
Gas
Nuclear
Hydro
Biomass
Other renewables
2023
92.9
78
69.1
14.8
7.6
29.1
9.6
2030
103.1
71.6
75.9
17
8.6
32.1
19
2035
106
66.1
80.6
18.9
9.2
34
27.1
2040
107.4
60
84.8
20.9
9.9
35.5
35.1
2045
108.5
54.4
87.9
22.7
10.7
36.5
43.6
2050
109.6
49.1
89.6
24.3
11.6
37.4
52.4
0100200300400500
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OPEC. (October 14, 2024). Primary energy demand worldwide in 2023, with a forecast until 2050, by fuel type (in million barrels of oil equivalent per day) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved April 05, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/282801/primary-energy-demand-by-source-world/
OPEC. "Primary energy demand worldwide in 2023, with a forecast until 2050, by fuel type (in million barrels of oil equivalent per day)." Chart. October 14, 2024. Statista. Accessed April 05, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/282801/primary-energy-demand-by-source-world/
OPEC. (2024). Primary energy demand worldwide in 2023, with a forecast until 2050, by fuel type (in million barrels of oil equivalent per day). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: April 05, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/282801/primary-energy-demand-by-source-world/
OPEC. "Primary Energy Demand Worldwide in 2023, with a Forecast until 2050, by Fuel Type (in Million Barrels of Oil Equivalent per Day)." Statista, Statista Inc., 14 Oct 2024, https://www.statista.com/statistics/282801/primary-energy-demand-by-source-world/
OPEC, Primary energy demand worldwide in 2023, with a forecast until 2050, by fuel type (in million barrels of oil equivalent per day) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/282801/primary-energy-demand-by-source-world/ (last visited April 05, 2025)
Primary energy demand worldwide in 2023, with a forecast until 2050, by fuel type (in million barrels of oil equivalent per day) [Graph], OPEC, October 14, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/282801/primary-energy-demand-by-source-world/
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