Primary energy consumption in the U.S. 1998-2023

Primary energy consumption in the United States has oscillated since 1998, peaking at 97.4 exajoules in 2007. By 2023, figures had decreased to nearly 94.3 exajoules. Primary energy refers to energy harvested directly from natural resources, before being transformed into electricity or other secondary or tertiary energy forms. It includes both fossil fuels and renewable sources. 

United States' primary energy demand: global context

The U.S. is the second largest primary energy consumer worldwide, only falling behind China. In 2021, China had a primary energy demand of over 157 exajoules. Rounding out the top three, India ranked third and had a total energy consumption of some 35 exajoules, or roughly 38 percent of the U.S.’s consumption.

Energy transition in the U.S.

Such high energy demand leads to greater carbon emissions. Consequently, 71 percent of U.S. citizens are in favor of speeding up the transition to clean energy sources, such as wind and solar power. Despite the increase in clean energy investments in the U.S., the country’s main energy sources are still fossil fuels. However, the share of renewables in electricity generation has increased to almost 21 percent as of 2021.