Primary energy consumption Europe 2023, by country

Among the European countries, primary energy consumption in 2023 was highest in Germany, at 11.4 exajoules. This was followed by France and the Turkey. Primary energy is energy taken directly from natural resources such as crude oil, coal and wind. This means primary energy can be either non-renewable or renewable. 

Fossil fuel consumption highest

In 2021, primary energy consumption in the European Union derived mostly from fossil fuels, with natural gas consumption amounting to around 14 exajoules. In comparison, the consumption of coal for primary energy has been in a steady decline, signaling a shift away from this energy source. The consumption of renewables has been increasing annually during this time period and amounted to nearly eight exajoules.

Global consumption

Primary energy consumption is highest in the Asia Pacific region, with consumption in this region amounting to some 272 exajoules in 2021. Globally, China is the largest consumer of primary energy in the world and consumed 159.4 exajoules in 2022.