Global primary energy generation has seen substantial growth, increasing by nearly 90 percent between 1990 and 2024. That year, the world generated approximately 605.9Â British thermal units of energy. China, the United States, and Russia were the largest energy producers in the world.
Fossil fuels dominate energy mix
Despite efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources, fossil fuels continue to play a dominant role in the global energy landscape. As of 2024, fossil fuels accounted for approximately 80 percent of total primary energy consumption worldwide. This reliance on fossil fuels was particularly pronounced in certain countries, with Turkmenistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Kuwait, and Algeria deriving over 99 percent of their primary energy from these sources that year. In contrast, countries like Sweden have made significant strides in reducing their fossil fuel dependency, with less than 30 percent of their energy coming from these sources.Â
Shifting energy dynamics
The global energy landscape is evolving, with notable shifts in consumption patterns and energy sources. Over the previous two decades, China has emerged as the world's largest consumer of primary energy, significantly outpacing the United States. In terms of energy sources, a broader global movement towards more clean energy is observed. Projections indicate that hydropower and renewable energy consumption will continue to grow, potentially reaching 30 percent of global energy consumption by 2050.Â
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ can support your business.
EIA. (June 24, 2026). Primary energy production worldwide in selected years from 1990 to 2024 (in quadrillion British thermal units) [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. Retrieved July 20, 2026, from /statistics/1479754/primary-energy-production-worldwide/
EIA. "Primary energy production worldwide in selected years from 1990 to 2024 (in quadrillion British thermal units)." Chart. June 24, 2026. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. Accessed July 20, 2026. /statistics/1479754/primary-energy-production-worldwide/
EIA. (2026). Primary energy production worldwide in selected years from 1990 to 2024 (in quadrillion British thermal units). ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 20, 2026. /statistics/1479754/primary-energy-production-worldwide/
EIA. "Primary Energy Production Worldwide in Selected Years from 1990 to 2024 (in Quadrillion British Thermal Units)." ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ Inc., 24 Jun 2026, /statistics/1479754/primary-energy-production-worldwide/
EIA, Primary energy production worldwide in selected years from 1990 to 2024 (in quadrillion British thermal units) ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ, /statistics/1479754/primary-energy-production-worldwide/ (last visited July 20, 2026)
Primary energy production worldwide in selected years from 1990 to 2024 (in quadrillion British thermal units) [Graph], EIA, June 24, 2026. [Online]. Available: /statistics/1479754/primary-energy-production-worldwide/