Global primary energy consumption 2000-2023

Global primary energy consumption reached around 620 exajoules in 2023. This represented an increase of roughly two percent in comparison to 2022. In 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on transportation fuel demand and overall economic performance resulted in primary energy consumption declining to 2016 levels. Nevertheless, worldwide energy consumption is projected to increase over the next few decades.

Most common types of fuel

Oil is the main primary energy fuel 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 140 exajoules in 2023, while other fuel types were consumed considerably less. However, in recent years, renewables have become more frequently used as worldwide investment in clean energy has increased 14-fold since 2004.

Energy industry performance

Energy use rose consistently every year over the last two decades except for 2009 and 2020, following the global financial crisis and the aforementioned coronavirus pandemic. As fossil fuels remain the largest source of energy consumption, the prices of these commodities serve as an indicator of overall energy industry performance.