Over the last few centuries, energy has changed the trajectory of human history. Today, humanity generates and consumes more energy than ever before and these two trends are not slowing down. This has all been thanks to the fossil fuels that were discovered by humankind.
However, countries have subsequently discovered and started to use new energy sources such as nuclear power together with more sustainable and renewable energy sources such as hydropower, wind, and solar energy. Moreover, to combat the global climate change patterns, the transition to renewables is currently seen to be a key measure to reduce the GHG emissions that arise from fossil fuels. In this article, we will delve into learning more about countries’ energy consumption and analyze the trends. We will also learn why a small Caribbean country, Trinidad and Tobago, is among the Top-10 countries in terms of energy consumption per capita.
Key statistics and trends in global energy consumption
Beginning in 1760, the Industrial Revolution resulted in a significant transformation of the energy system. The chart below illustrates how the world’s energy supply has changed over time, showing the world’s energy usage since 1800.
World Energy Consumption: Historical Overview and Current Status
Source: OurWorldinData
According to the Energy Institute, about 750 million people worldwide currently lack access to electricity, making it difficult for them to keep cool in the face of heat, harder to light their houses, or impossible to use fridges.
Among other statistical data regarding energy consumption, it’s worth noting:
- For the heating and cooling needs of their dwellings, roughly 2.6 billion people use polluting biomass fuels such as animal waste and coal.
- Around 78% of the energy consumed worldwide is attributed to North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific regions (as of 2023).
- Since 2000, the total volume of oil, gas, and coal traded internationally has increased by 53%.
- Global energy production climbed by 2.5% in 2023, reaching an unprecedented 29,925 TWh. (one terawatt hour is a unit of energy representing one trillion watt hours).
- In 2023, natural gas demand in Europe decreased by 7%, while in the Asia Pacific region it grew by around 2% with China and India’s 7% growth gains being the main drivers.
In terms of power generation in 2023:
- Fossil fuels accounted for 60% of all globally produced power
- Renewable energy accounted for around 30%
- Nuclear energy remained at around 9%
Notably, fossil fuel combustion accounts for approximately 87% of all energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, making CO2 emissions the predominant source of these emissions.
Source: Energyinst
Year-to-year energy consumption analysis
With rising incomes and a growing population, global demand for energy is increasing in many nations and worldwide energy use will continue to rise every year if this growing demand is not countered by gains in energy efficiency.
The graph below illustrates the annual variations in the world’s energy use. The variation is expressed as a percentage of the prior year’s energy usage.
Source: OurWorldinData
To put it simply, energy consumption around the world is increasing. The average rise in energy use is around one to two percent annually. World primary energy usage increased by 2% in 2023, marking the second record year in a row.
Energy consumption per capita by country
Countries that use the most energy per person are Qatar, Iceland, Singapore, Canada and the United States. The Caribbean nation, Trinidad and Tobago, also showed high per capita energy consumption due to the local presence of energy-intensive industries producing fertilizers, aluminum, methanol, and ammonia.
The majority of the world’s biggest energy-consuming countries are also some of the largest oil producers that rely heavily on fossil fuels for energy.
Nations that benefit from an abundance of resources and are located outside the temperate climate zones typically consume more energy to heat or cool their homes. In addition, they tend to consume more energy overall because of a much lower cost compared to nations who must import energy.
Source: OurWorldinData
Total energy consumption
Source: OurWorldinData
Global energy trends: What to expect
According to International Energy Agency predictions, in the next couple of years, the world’s need for energy will rapidly increase, with an average annual growth rate of 3.4%. The key driver will be a stronger economic outlook (continuous electrification of the housing and transportation sectors, more data centers, etc.).
Among other trends, the agency outlines the following:
- By 2026, the amount of energy used by data centers, artificial intelligence (AI), and the cryptocurrency sector may double.
- Approximately 85% of additional energy demand is expected to come from developing nations, with China playing a significant role.
- The share of renewable energy in power generation will grow to 37% in 2026 (in 2023 the share was 30%). The growing number of solar photovoltaic systems is expected to play a major role in this growth.
- More energy from renewables will lead to a decline in global coal-fired production by a yearly average of 1.7% annually in the next couple of years.
- Gas-fired electricity output will register growth, being driven by a number of countries in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. At the same time, Europe’s gas-fired production is expected to continue to decrease.
- Nuclear power production continues to increase mostly due to the Asian region where 30% of the world’s nuclear energy is expected to come from by 2026.
- The share of fossil fuels will reduce by around 7%, hitting 54% in 2026 due to the growing adoption of renewable energy sources.
Nuclear energy: current usage and future potential
Currently, 440 power reactors producing 10% of the world’s electricity are powered by nuclear energy. Roughly 25% of the low-carbon electricity produced worldwide comes from nuclear power.
Apart from commercial nuclear power facilities, around 220 research reactors are in operation in over 50 countries, and more are being built.
Globally, there is a pressing need for additional generating capacity to fulfill the rising demand for energy in many nations as well as to replace outdated fossil fuel units, particularly those that burn coal and release enormous volumes of CO2 into the atmosphere.
