As of recent data, the world annual energy consumption in 2023 by source is shown in tera-watt hours in the table below.

The change in energy consumption from 1800 to 2023, which shows a sharp continual rise from 1950, is shown the figure below. A year-to-year change in the primary energy consumption is also provided.

Energy consumption per person varies widely across the world. The highest consumers include Iceland, Norway, Canada, the U.S., and wealthy Middle Eastern countries like Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar—where individuals use up to 100 times more energy than in some poorer nations. The gap could be even larger, as many of the poorest countries rely on traditional biomass (like wood or crop residues) instead of commercially traded energy, making their consumption hard to measure accurately.

The data below refers to the annual change in oil, natural gas and coal consumption from 1966 to 2023.

The data below refers to the annual change in power generation form hydropower, wind and solar:

Primary energy refers to the energy contained within natural resources before they undergo transformation into usable forms. For instance, the energy stored in coal or oil prior to combustion in power plants is considered primary energy. When fossil fuels are converted into secondary forms, such as electricity, significant inefficiencies arise due to heat loss during the transformation process. Consequently, the amount of primary energy is always greater than the energy ultimately consumed by a population. This distinction is critical for understanding energy systems and their role in climate change mitigation.

The IPCC scenarios explore various pathways for global energy systems, emphasising the importance of reducing primary energy demand to achieve climate targets. These scenarios highlight the need for transitioning from fossil fuels to low-carbon energy sources, such as renewables, nuclear power, and hydrogen. By minimising reliance on energy-intensive processes and improving efficiency, societies can reduce the gap between primary energy and end-use energy, thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

In scenarios limiting global warming to 1.5°C or 2°C, primary energy demand undergoes substantial changes. Fossil fuel consumption declines sharply, while renewable energy sources expand to meet growing energy needs. For example, coal consumption without carbon capture and storage (CCS) falls by up to 82% by 2030 in pathways aligned with the 1.5°C target. Similarly, oil and gas consumption decreases, albeit at a slower pace, as electrification and alternative energy carriers gain prominence.

The transformation of energy systems also affects land use and resource allocation. Renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind, require less primary energy compared to fossil fuels, reducing inefficiencies and environmental impacts. Additionally, the adoption of bioenergy and CCS technologies helps offset emissions, ensuring that primary energy use aligns with climate goals.

The IPCC scenarios underscore the importance of addressing inefficiencies in primary energy use to achieve sustainable energy systems. By transitioning to low-carbon technologies and improving energy efficiency, societies can reduce primary energy demand while meeting the needs of growing populations. This approach not only mitigates climate change but also fosters resilience and sustainability in global energy systems.